Book description
Energetic, shrewd, and charming, Herman B Wells was the driving force
behind the transformation of Indiana University-which became a model
for American public higher education in the 20th century. A person of
unusual sensitivity and a skilled and empathetic communicator, his
character and vision shaped the structure, ethos, and spirit of the
institution in countless ways. Wells articulated a persuasive vision
of the place of the university in the modern world. Under his
leadership, Indiana University would grow in size and stature,
establishing strong connections to the state, the nation, and the
world. His dedication to the arts, to academic freedom, and to
international education remained hallmarks of his 63-year tenure as
President and University Chancellor. Wells lavished particular
attention on the flagship campus at Bloomington, expanding its
footprint tenfold in size and maintaining its woodland landscape as
new buildings and facilities were constructed. Gracefully aging in
place, he became a beloved paterfamilias to the IU clan. Wells built
an institution, and, in the process, became one himself.
"In this delightful biography, James Capshew has captured the
essence of Herman B Wells, his extraordinary leadership of IU as
president and chancellor, and his contributions to the university,
observable from every corner of the campus. With tenacity,
intelligence, and skill, Herman B Wells pursued his vision of building
the greatness of IU-and it is all set out for us with grace and
elegance in this volume to remember, learn about, and appreciate the
life and work of Herman B Wells." -Lee H. Hamilton, former U. S.
Representative; Director, the Center on Congress at Indiana University
James H. Capshew serves on the faculty of the Department of
History and Philosophy of Science at Indiana University Bloomington.
He is author of Psychologists on the March: Science, Practice, and
Professional Identity in America, 1929-1969 as well as numerous
scholarly articles, and has served as editor of the journal History of
Psychology and as editor for psychology for the New Dictionary of
Scientific Biography.
