Bryan, William Lowe, 1860-1955

Indiana University alumnus, professor, and president.

William Julian Bryan was born 11 November 1860 in Monroe County to John Bryan, a Presbyterian minister, and Eliza Jane Phillips Bryan. After attending the public schools in the county, Bryan entered the Preparatory Department of Indiana University in 1877. While a student a IU, he was active in many activities, including the university baseball team (where he earned his letter) and the student newspaper, The Daily Student. He graduated in 1884 with a degree in ancient classics. Following graduation, he was appointed English instructor in the Preparatory Department. Within a few months he was invited to join the faculty of the Greek Department and in 1885 he was named Associate Professor of Philosophy.

Bryan continued his studies and in 1886 he received his Master's degree in Philosophy. His interests shifted to psychology, however, and from 1886-1887 he went to Germany to study at the University of Berlin. When he returned he was named full professor and granted money to conduct research on human reaction times. Bryan opened the Indiana University Psychological Laboratory in January 1888. In 1891, Bryan decided to study under G. Stanley Hall at Clark University and received his PhD in psychology in 1892. Bryan went on to become a leader in the movement for the scientific study of children.

Upon returning to IU after his studies with Hall, he was appointed Vice- President of the University. In 1902 he was named the tenth President of the University. Bryan oversaw the development of the institution for 35 years. During his tenure the schools of medicine, education, nursing, business, music, and dentistry were established, in addition to many graduate programs and several satellite campuses throughout the state. During his presidency, the university grew from 1,335 students and 65 faculty members to 7,005 students and 330 faculty members.

Bryan married Charlotte Lowe in July, 1889. They took one another's names and thereafter Bryan was William Lowe Bryan. Charlotte graduated with a Bachelor's in Greek in June 1889. After their marriage, she continued to study on her own and collaborated with Bryan on two volumes of selections from Plato for teachers. Throughout her life, Charlotte was often ill and Bryan frequently turned down social invitations so that he could stay with his wife. Charlotte died in 1948, shortly before her 81st birthday. Bryan passed away in 1955 at the age of 95.