Hughes, Percy, 1872-

Percy Hughes (1872-1952) was born in Peshawar, British India to Anglican missionary parents. He then was taken to London, England at the age of three where he went to Christ's Hospital School, known as the Blue Coat School and in 1888 with his family came to New York City where his father became an Episcopal clergyman. In New York City, he worked as a clerk and attended Teachers College at Columbia University. He left Columbia University to complete his senior year at Alfred College and to accompany his sister who was already in there. After earning his A.B. from Alfred College, the President of the college asked him to teach a course in Philosophy there. He then went back to Columbia University, studied under John Dewey and earned his an MA and Ph.D. there. From then on, Hughes and John Dewey became lifelong friends.

In 1907, Hughes came to Lehigh University as an assistant professor of Philosophy, Education and Psychology. In 1909 he became full professor. From 1909 to 1942 to his retirement, Hughes periodically was in charge of education -- both extension and summer session courses -- and taught psychology and philosophy, and became the Chairman of the Department of Philosophy, Psychology and Education and then the Clara H. Stewardson Professor of Philosophy. He published numerous works on Philosophy, Psychology, Education and Sports education, and was involved in extra curricular activities and sport, especially soccer. Hughes played and instrumental role in shaping the College of Education: first as a department, then a School, and finally, since 1985, one of the University's four Colleges.