Phelps, C. Kermit, 1908-2002

C. Kermit Phelps was born December 4, 1908 in Newton, Kansas to Clifford and Eva (Bradshaw) Phelps. He attended the University of Kansas, where he earned his Bachelor's (1934), Master's (1949, Psychology), and Doctorate (1952, Psychology) degrees. In eanring this last degree, Phelps became the first African American to earn a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from KU. He also attended the Menninger Foundation Clinical Psychology Program. Phelps later returned to KU as an Associate Professor of Psychiatry; due to this, he is considered the University's first African American faculty member. He also taught at Avila College, Marymount College, and Conception Seminary. For 31 years, Phelps worked at the Kansas City, Missouri Veteran's Administration Hospital, rising to Chief of Psychological Services and Associate Chief of Staff for Education. He also had a private practice and began The Life Enrichment Series at the Shepard Center.

Phelps was active in numerous professional organizations, including the Missouri Psychological Association (of which he was president), the Advisory Committee for Professional Services of the Mental Health Association, and the Recreation for Handicapped Council (of which he was Vice Chairman). He served on the Board of various organizations, such as the Missouri Mental Health Association, St. Mary Hospital, and the Neurological Hospital Association. Phelps not only taught at also served on the Board of Regents at Rockhurst College and St. Mary's College.

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