In Honor of Herman B Wells

Considered one of the greatest leaders in higher education in the twentieth century, Herman B Wells devoted his life to making Indiana University an academic and cultural institution of international stature. He entered IU as an undergraduate in 1921, joined the faculty of the Department of Economics in 1930, was appointed dean of the School of Business Administration in 1935, and began his legendary 25-year presidency of Indiana University in 1937. Upon his retirement in 1962, he was awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree and was named university chancellor, a position he held until his death in 2000.

The fruits of Dr. Wells' efforts and ideals can be seen at every turn on the beautiful Bloomington campus, in the surrounding city, and indeed, throughout the university system.

A few of his accomplishments include promoting international studies; advancing the rights of African American students; fostering the Kinsey Institute for Sex Research; and establishing the Lilly Library, which houses rare books and manuscripts. By his leadership, support, and presence at thousands of lectures, performances, and programs, Dr. Wells nourished intellectual and artistic excellence and championed academic freedom. He represented the United States and the university throughout the world, as a member of the U.S. delegation to the United Nations and as an advisor to U.S. leaders and foreign governments; and he served in this country on the boards of numerous philanthropic and educational institutions.

To honor this remarkable man, the university created the Wells Scholars Program, which began in 1988 with fund-raising efforts and the appointment of Professor Breon Mitchell as the founding director. In 1990, IU welcomed its first class of Wells Scholars and on June 7, 1992, Dr. Wells' 90th birthday, he was officially presented with the Wells Scholars Program, as a gift from his many friends and admirers. After his death in the spring of 2000, this community of talented and dedicated young Scholars remains as a permanent legacy of his educational vision.

For more information on Herman B Wells, see the Digital Wells website.

A gallery of images of Dr. Wells' involvement with the Scholars can be found here.