Field, Oliver Peter, 1897-1953

Indiana University alumnus and professor.

After receiving an AB at St. Olaf College and MA at the University of Minnesota, Oliver P. Field came to IU to accept an instructor's position in political science in 1924. Shortly after earning a Bachelor of Laws in 1927, Field left for Yale to work on his JD. After teaching at several other universities, Field returned to IU in 1939 to accept a professorship in government. He taught until his death in 1953.

From the description of Oliver P. Field papers, 1936-1953. (Indiana University). WorldCat record id: 49961037

Born in Fergus Falls, MN, in 1897, Oliver Field received a Bachelor's degree from St. Olaf College, 1919, and a Master's from the University of Minnesota, 1924. After receiving his Master's he came to IU as an instructor in the Political Science Department. He received a Bachelor of Laws degree from IU in 1927 and left to receive his J.D. from Yale in 1928. Field then taught for several years at the University of Minnesota and also at Harvard University before returning to the Government Department at IU in 1939. He became the acting chairman of the department in 1951 and held that post until his death in 1953.

Field suffered from eye conditions all his life. As a child he was diagnosed with night blindness and narrow vision. Later in life he suffered from glaucoma which caused him to completely lose his vision. He did not allow his handicap deter him in anyway, to the point that many students claimed they were unaware of his blindness when first enrolled in his classes. He managed to teach and do research with the aid of student readers, stenographers, and his own recording equipment. Field was one of the most popular professors at IU, winning the Brown Derby in 1946 for that honor.

From the guide to the Oliver P. Field papers, 1936-1953, (Indiana University Office of University Archives and Records Management http://www.libraries.iub.edu/archives)