Francis H. Snow grew up in Fitchburg, Massachusetts and was educated for the seminary at Williams College and Andover Seminary. During the Civil War, he was torn between an abhorrence of violence and an agreement with the Union cause; ultimately, he volunteered as a medical aid. After the war, he applied to the University of Kansas for a language professorship. He was turned down, but in July 1866 he was elected as a math and science professor, one of the first 3 faculty members at KU.

Once at KU, Snow dove into the study of natural science. He began collecting plant and bird specimens and retrieved meteorites from farmers' fields to sell to astronomers. Between his lectures and his meteorite sales, Snow was able to fund scientific expeditions for himself and his students.

As he studied natural history, Snow found his worldview slowly changing. He had been trained in the ministry and fundamentalist Bible interpretation, but as he delved into the world of natural history, he became increasingly interested in evolution, facing criticism for his new opinions. His unpopular views on evolution did not prevent him from gaining respect from faculty and students.

After a year-long search for Chancellor Lippincott's replacement, the Board of Regents elected Snow on April 11, 1890, a decision that was hailed by faculty and students alike. As chancellor, Snow initiated a massive University reorganization. The Preparatory and Normal Departments were discontinued and the College of Arts, the Schools of Engineering, Law, Fine Arts, Pharmacy, and the Graduate School were founded. Snow staffed his own office with a private secretary, a stenographer, a purchasing agent, a University Treasurer, a registrar, and a University Guide. He established Spooner Library (now Spooner Hall). With Snow's approval, a football program began and the first intercollegiate game was played in 1890. The University began offering doctorate degrees and the first Ph.D was awarded in 1895.

During Snow's 11-year tenure, enrollment rose from 505 to 1,154 students, library volumes increased from 14,000 to 38,000, and the campus saw the addition of 6 buildings and 20 acres.

Snow was a passionate man who loved his family deeply. In October of 1899, his only son Will died when he was swept off a transport ship. The unexpected death was traumatic for Snow and left him unable to function as chancellor. After a long leave of absence, Snow resigned on May 20th, 1901. He passed away in 1908 in Delafield, Wisconsin.