Lucy Wilson facts for kids

Lucy Wilson (born October 19, 1888 – died September 22, 1980) was an American physicist. She was known for her studies on how we see (vision), how light works (optics), and a special way to study materials called X-ray spectroscopy. She also became the first Dean of Students at Wellesley College. This was a very important job helping students.

About Lucy Wilson

Lucy Wilson was born on October 19, 1888, in Bloomington, Illinois. Her father worked for American Telephone and Telegraph. Her family believed strongly in education. For example, her grandfather went to Harvard College. Her aunt was one of the first women to graduate from Oberlin College. When Lucy was about two years old, her father passed away. She then moved with her mother and baby brother to live with her grandparents.

Her College Years

Lucy Wilson started at Wellesley College in 1905. She took many different classes. These included psychology and physics. One of her physics teachers was Sarah Frances Whiting. Lucy earned her bachelor's degree from Wellesley College in 1909.

After graduating, she worked as an assistant and then an instructor. This was at Mount Holyoke College until 1911. She then decided to continue her studies. Lucy went to Johns Hopkins University to earn her PhD. She finished her PhD in 1917. After that, she returned to teach at Wellesley College.

Professor and Dean

In 1935, Lucy Wilson became a professor. She taught both physics and psychology. This was because her research covered both how we see and how light behaves.

From 1938, she also took on leadership roles. She became the Acting Dean of the college in 1938. Then, in 1939, she was named the college's first Dean of Students. This meant she was in charge of student life and well-being.

During World War II, she helped lead the college. The president, Mildred McAfee Horton, was away serving in the military. In 1945, Lucy Wilson received a special honor. She was named the first Sarah Frances Whiting Professor. This position was created to honor her former teacher, Sarah Frances Whiting. Lucy Wilson retired in 1954. The students at Wellesley College created a scholarship fund in her name.

Lucy Wilson passed away on September 22, 1980, in Wellesley, Massachusetts.

Her Roles and Positions

Lucy Wilson held many important roles during her career:

• 1909-1914: Assistant and Instructor at Mount Holyoke College.
• 1917-1920: Instructor of psychology at Wellesley College.
• 1918-1920: Instructor of physics at Wellesley College.
• 1920-1924: Assistant Professor at Wellesley College.
• 1924-1935: Associate Professor at Wellesley College.
• 1935-1954: Professor in physics and psychology at Wellesley College.
• 1938-1939: Acting Dean of College at Wellesley College.
• 1939-1954: Dean of College at Wellesley College.