Being Lucky: Reminiscences and Reflections - Softcover

Wells, Herman B.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0253006139 ISBN 13: 9780253006134

Publisher: Indiana University Press (IPS), 2012

Synopsis

In this absorbing autobiography, Herman B Wells, the legendary former president of Indiana University, recalls his small-town boyhood, the strong influence of his parents, his pioneering work with Indiana banks during the Great Depression, and his connection with IU, which began as a student when the still provincial school had fewer than 3,000 students. At the end of his 25-year tenure as president, IU was a university with an international reputation and a student body that would soon exceed 30,000. Both lighthearted and serious, Wells's reflections describe in welcome detail how he approached the job, his observations on administration, his thoughts on academic freedom and tenure, his approach to student and alumni relations, and his views on the role of the university as a cultural center. Being Lucky is a nourishing brew of the memories, advice, wit, and wisdom of a remarkable man.

About this title

Review:

Much more than the title might suggest [this is] a heart-warming account of a young boy and his parents determined that a son should have a college education, a classic and detailed account of his widening involvement with every aspect of higher education, and a stirring story of a wise administrator. [Wells's] life is an astonishing success story. . . . He was not just lucky, he was careful and courageous.--Journal of Higher Education

A tribute to a great university and to a man with foresight who also had the courage to act on his convictions.--Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette

Being Lucky is as entertaining as it is informative. Wells' biographer, James H. Capshew, called it 'a manual of higher education management.'. . . Reading Wells' fascinating autobiography shows why it is no wonder that Indiana University is so proud of the great man and honors his accomplishments.--LOUISVILLE COURIER JOURNAL

Wells's humor, wit, and humanity pervade every chapter.--Indiana Magazine of History

An honest report by a most successful educator [and] a tribute to a great university and to a man with foresight who also had the courage to act on his convictions.--The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette

From the Back Cover:

In the early chapters of this book Herman Wells recalls his boyhood in a small Indiana town, the strong influence of his parents, and his pioneering work for the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions during the Depression. In ten reflective chapters on the presidency itself, Dr. Wells gives us his views, lighthearted as well as serious, on how to run a university, and specifically how he approached the job at Indiana. Being Lucky is full of the reflections, advice, wit, and wisdom of a remarkable man.

About this edition

• Publisher: Indiana University Press (IPS)
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0253006139
• ISBN 13: 9780253006134
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 544