Following the resignation of T. C. Abbot in 1885, a noted educator, politician and lawyer, Edwin Willits, was selected as the president of Michigan Agricultural College. During his four year tenure, Willits obtained $60,000 from the State Legislature for the construction of nine new buildings including a much needed mechanical arts building.

Willits' career had well prepared him for the presidency. Born on April 24, 1830 in Otto, Cattaragus County, New York, his family moved to Michigan. Willits received an A.B. degree from the University of Michigan in 1855. Later he also received an A.M. degree from the same university. In 1857 he was admitted to the Michigan Bar. Living in Adrian, Michigan, Mr. Willits practiced law and taught school. He was the prosecutor of Monroe County from 1860-1868. From 1861 to 1873 he served on the State Board of Education. He also served as Postmaster of Monroe County from 1863-1866. In 1873 he was selected as a member of the State Constitutional Convention and was a Representative to the U.S. Congress from Southeastern Michigan from 1877 to 1883. In 1882 he became the principal of the State Normal School. Following his four year tenure at M.A.C., he was the Assistant Secretary of Agriculture in the Grover Cleveland Administration.

Willits was married to Jane Ingersoll and they had one son, George S. Willits. Edwin Willits died on October 24, 1896 in Washington, D.C.