During this time the heads of the university held the title of "Principal", a holdover from the institution's academy days, and there were also several Principals prior to Bruce that headed the forerunner to the Western University of Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Academy. In 1819 the Pennsylvania legislature modified the 1787 charter of the  Pittsburgh Academy to confer university status on the school.
At that time, the university's leaders retained the title of "Principal," a remnant from its academy era, and there were also several Principals prior to Bruce who headed the predecessor to Western University of Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Academy. In 1819, the Pennsylvania legislature modified the school's charter to confer university status.