Mr. Wild, a distinguished scholar and academic administrator, served as vice president and dean of faculties at Northwestern from 1949 to 1969 and provost from 1969 to 1973. Mr. Wild came to Northwestern from Harvard University where he was professor of government and dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. During his 13-year career at Harvard, Mr. Wild earned a reputation as a leading scholar of international relations. One of Harvard's most popular lecturers, he taught courses in international law, world politics and problems of contemporary international law. Two of his Harvard students during the 1930s were two Kennedy brothers Joseph, killed in World War II, and Jack, who became President.
While at Harvard, he also was a staff member of the US. Naval College as an associate for international law. He was the author of numerous books and articles on international law, foreign policy and political science. He began his academic career at Harvard as a graduate student instructor in government in 1929. He earned a master's degree (1927) and Ph.D. degree (1931) from Harvard, both in government, after receiving an undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Wisconsin (1926). He received honorary degrees from Lawrence College and Lake Forest College.
From the guide to the University Provost Payson S. Wild, General Files, 1949-1974, (Northwestern University Archives)
