The Department of Psychology at the University of Nebraska is still going strong for 130 years since psychology was first taught in 1889 by Harry K. Wolfe. A Nebraskan since age 13, Harry K. Wolfe graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1880 and then went on to study psychology in Germany with Hermann Ebbinghaus and Wilhelm Wundt—two pioneers in the new experimental psychology—completing his doctorate from Wundt in 1886 at the University of Leipzig. Wolfe was the second American to earn a Ph.D. in experimental psychology. He returned to the University of Nebraska in 1889 as Chair of the Department of Philosophy, teaching courses in general psychology, pedagogical psychology, and experimental psychology with a laboratory, and his teaching was extremely popular with students. Wolfe established one of the earliest psychological laboratories in the United States and apparently the first devoted to the training of undergraduate students. Although Wolfe applied to the administration to establish a Department of Psychology in 1891, the Department was not established until 1939, with 6 faculty members; nevertheless we deservedly consider Wolfe as the Department’s founder.
Among faculty in the Department of Psychology, the experiences of Wolfe have also come to symbolize the need for academic freedom. Wolfe was hired before the establishment of the tenure system. Due to disagreements with the University administration over financial and teaching issues, he was removed from the University in 1897 only to be reinstated 9 years later. He was also accused in an infamous Nebraska professors’ trial of being disloyal to the United States WWI effort. The uncertainties faced by Wolfe and other scholars across the nation during this time regarding their ability—without sanction—to freely teach scientific theory and concepts and to respectfully contribute their political views as citizens, led to the tenure system that has been adopted by virtually every college and university in the United States and Canada during the 20th Century.
As you can see, Wolfe’s service to at the University of Nebraska is marked by extraordinary achievement despite challenges. Starting with the service of Harry K. Wolfe, the psychology department at the University has a long and noteworthy history. As an affiliate of the department, you have inherited this history! You can contribute to the department and help to ensure that we have a long and impressive future in advancing psychological knowledge. In addition to your overall encouragement for the department and its mission, financial gifts from alumni and friends are a vital source of support.
Sometimes it’s hard to imagine where your donations will go. Here’s a list of what a contribution to the Psychology Department Fund could do…
- $125 pays for 5 undergraduate students’ conference presentation posters.
- $125 pays for 2 graduate students’ professional membership dues.
- $125 pays for statistical software license used to analyze theses and dissertation data.
- $125 pays for student conference registration.
Go to the Department’s website to donate!
If you would like to talk to someone about setting up a named fellowship or professorship, please contact Joye Fehringer at the NU Foundation.