Walter Perry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Perry of Walton
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| Born |
Walter Laing MacDonald Perry
16 June 1921 |
| Died | 17 July 2003 (aged 82) |
Walter Laing MacDonald Perry, Baron Perry of Walton (born June 16, 1921 – died July 17, 2003) was an important Scottish professor. He is best known for being the very first leader, called the Vice Chancellor, of the Open University. This university changed how people could learn.
Contents
Walter Perry's Story
Early Life and Medical Career
Walter Perry was born in Dundee, Scotland. He went to school at Ayr Academy and the High School of Dundee. He then studied medicine at the University of St Andrews. He earned several medical degrees between 1943 and 1958.
From 1944 to 1946, he worked as a medical officer in Nigeria. Later, he became a scientist for groups like the Medical Research Council. He became a top expert on polio, a serious disease. He was known for always using the scientific method very carefully in his work.
Building the Open University
Perry continued his career at the University of Edinburgh. He became a Professor of Pharmacology, then the Dean of Medicine, and later a Vice Principal. In 1969, he took on a new challenge. He became the first Vice Chancellor of the Open University.
Many people doubted if the Open University would work. But Perry made it a very successful place for learning. He made sure that the degrees from the Open University were just as good as those from traditional universities. He believed that learning from a distance should still be high quality. He also helped develop distance learning for the United Nations.
Awards and Public Service
Walter Perry was recognized for his important work. He received the Officer of the Order of the British Empire award in 1957. He was also made a knight in 1974. This meant he was called "Sir Walter Perry."
In 1979, he became a member of the House of Lords. This is part of the UK Parliament. He was given the special title of Baron Perry of Walton. He joined a political group called the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 1981. He later worked with the Liberal Democrats. He continued to work on science and technology issues in the House of Lords until he passed away in 2003.
Personal Life and Legacy
Walter Perry married Catherine Hilda Crawley in 1971.
A collection of Walter Perry's important papers is kept at the Open University Archive. These papers show his work for the Open University, other distance education places, and his time in the House of Lords.
