Hatch, D. Spencer (Duane Spencer)

Duane Spencer Hatch (1888-1963) was born on a farm in Greenwich, New York and was a pioneer in rural reconstruction and community development. He graduated from Cornell University in 1915 with a B.Sc in Agriculture, an M.Sc in Agriculture in 1916, and another Master’s degree in Rural Sociology, Economics, and Education. He continued his education at Yale University and Cornell University for a PhD in Rural Sociology, Economics, and Education, which he received in 1928. In 1916, Hatch went to India and Mesopotamia for service with British and Indian troops during World War I, under the auspices of the Indian National Council, Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA). He later returned to India, with his wife Emily Hatch, to begin his long career in rural reconstruction under the support of the YMCAs of India and was later appointed to the United Nations' Food and Agricultural Committee. Starting in the 1940s, he directed community developments in Mexico. After retiring from the YMCA, he served as the director of an agricultural project for the Pan American Union in Costa Rica. Hatch then went on to establish a Community Development Center for the United Nations (UNESCO) in Sri Lanka (formally known as Ceylon). From 1957-1960, he worked in Parker, Arizona as the Director of Community Development for the Colorado River Tribes Reservation. He then retired to Tucson, Arizona where he became a consultant to the Sociology Department at the University of Arizona and Director of Field Work for students working towards their MA Degree in Community Development.

From the guide to the Duane Spencer Hatch Collection, 1912-1982, (bulk 1940-1982), (University of Arizona Libraries, Special Collections)

Duane Spencer Hatch (1888-1963) was born on a farm in Greenwich, New York and was a pioneer in rural reconstruction and community development. He graduated from Cornell University in 1915 with a B.Sc in Agriculture, an M.Sc in Agriculture in 1916, and another Masters degree in Rural Sociology, Economics, and Education. He continued his education at Yale University and Cornell University for a PhD in Rural Sociology, Economics, and Education, which he received in 1928. In 1916, Hatch went to India and Mesopotamia for service with British and Indian troops during World War I, under the auspices of the Indian National Council, Young Mens Christian Association (YMCA). He later returned to India, with his wife Emily Hatch, to begin his long career in rural reconstruction under the support of the YMCAs of India and was later appointed to the United Nations Food and Agricultural Committee. Starting in the 1940s, he directed community developments in Mexico. After retiring from the YMCA, he served as the director of an agricultural project for the Pan American Union in Costa Rica. Hatch then went on to establish a Community Development Center for the United Nations (UNESCO) in Sri Lanka (formally known as Ceylon). From 1957-1960, he worked in Parker, Arizona as the Director of Community Development for the Colorado River Tribes Reservation. He then retired to Tucson, Arizona where he became a consultant to the Sociology Department at the University of Arizona and Director of Field Work for students working towards their MA Degree in Community Development.

From the description of The Duane Spencer Hatch Collection, 1912-1982 (bulk 1940-1982) (University of Arizona). WorldCat record id: 776934060