In February 1859, Trustee Judge Frederick Watts contacted Pugh and offered him the position of president at the Farmers' High School, as well as a stipend for purchasing laboratory equipment to bring back from Europe. Pugh's appointment officially began in February 1860 during the school's second year, however he assumed most duties as president in October 1859.
In February 1859, Judge Frederick Watts of the Trustee approached Pugh with an offer to become the head of the Farmers' High School and also provided him with a budget to purchase laboratory equipment from Europe. Pugh's formal appointment took place in February 1860 during the school's second year, but he began handling most duties as president earlier, in October 1859.