Oran Wendle Eagleson facts for kids

Oran Wendle Eagleson (1910–1997) was a very important psychologist and professor at Spelman College in Atlanta. He was one of the first Black Americans to earn a special advanced degree called a doctorate in psychology. In fact, he was the eighth Black person in the United States to achieve this!

Oran Eagleson's Early Life and Education

Oran Wendle Eagleson was born in Unionville, Indiana in 1910. He worked hard from a young age. Even while he was in high school and college, he shined shoes and helped repair them to earn money.

He went to Indiana University for his college education. He earned his first degree, a bachelor's degree, in 1931. Then, he got his master's degree in 1932. Finally, he completed his highest degree, a PhD (doctorate), in 1935. All of these degrees were from Indiana University.

A Career in Psychology and Teaching

Starting His Career

After finishing his PhD, it was difficult for Eagleson to find a job in psychology. But in 1936, he found a teaching position in Durham, North Carolina. He taught at the North Carolina College for Negroes. There, he taught many subjects, including psychology, sociology, economics, and philosophy.

Teaching at Spelman College

Later, due to money issues in Durham, he moved to Atlanta in Georgia. He began teaching at Spelman College, which was a college for women. At Spelman, he was paid well. When he first arrived, psychology was only an elective class, meaning students could choose to take it. But a few years later, it became a main subject, or "major," that students could focus on.

Professor Eagleson also taught advanced classes for graduate students at Atlanta University. He was an "exchange professor," which means he taught there for a period of time.

Important Roles and Contributions

Oran Eagleson took on many important leadership roles. In 1954, he became the dean of instruction at Spelman College. A dean helps manage the academic programs and teachers at a college.

In 1970, he was given the special title of Callaway Professor of Psychology. This is a very high honor for a professor. He also helped lead a program called the Morehouse-Spelman Intensified Pre-College program. This program helped prepare students for college.

Beyond his work at Spelman, Eagleson also shared his knowledge with others. He gave talks and worked as a consultant for the Peace Corps. The Peace Corps is a group that sends American volunteers to help people in other countries.