Lagler, Karl F. (Karl Frank), 1912-1985

Karl Frank Lagler (1912-1985) attended public schools in Rochester (N. Y.) and then earned his A. B. from the University of Rochester, his M. S. in Aquatic Ecology and Fisheries in 1936 from Cornell University, and his Ph. D. in Zoology and Fisheries in 1940 from the University of Michigan (UM). After teaching botany for a year at the University fo Rochester, Lagler was hired at the UM, where he spent the rest of his career. He quickly rose through the ranks to become Chairman and founder of the Department of Fisheries by 1950, a post he held for fifteen years. Lagler was employed as a bologist or consultant for many governmental and private agencies including Cranbrook Institute of Science, the Institute for Fisheries Research of the Michigan Department of Conservation, and the National Wildlife Federation. His work took him to France, Norway, Alaska, Rome, the Bahamas, Malaysia, Africa, and South America. He was an Internationl Fellow and president of several eminent national and international associations, and an active and life member of numerous others. He was Distinguished Professor of Aquatic Biology for Michigan State University's Kellogg Biological Station, 1959, and Distinguished Vising Professor of Ichthyology at Ohio State University the same year. He taught the first UM telecourse "Man in this world". From 1961 through 1971 Lagler produced a weekly radio commentary, "Conservation report," which was broadcast from the UM's radio station to over three dozen Michigan stations. He was the recipient of several major national awards, including a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1957 and a million dollar grant in 1972 to implement a plan for a basin wide environmental impact study on the Mekong basic fisheries in Southeast Asia. He also worked, 1982-1984, as Field Director on the Gambia River basin environmental and socio-economic studies. During his industrious and illustrious career, Lagler published over 150 various publications and a number of books. Twenty-eight of his publications are separately cataloged at the Clarke. His work and publications brough Lagler international recognitions, many honors, and awards. Lagler married Mary Jane Manchester in 1941, with whom he had three children. Lagler died on Aug. 25, 1985 in Ann Arbor (Mich.). (This information is from the collection.)

From the description of Papers, 1937-1984. (Clarke Historical Library). WorldCat record id: 237795150

Professor of fisheries and zoology at University of Michigan.

From the description of Karl Frank Lagler papers, 1941-1970 (bulk 1945-1960). (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 34418336

Karl Frank Lagler was born November 15, 1912 in Rochester, New York, the son of Leo and Rosalie (Nicolet) Lagler. He received a B.A. in biology from the University of Rochester in 1934 and a M.S. in vertebrate zoology and fisheries from Cornell in 1936. Lagler joined the faculty of the University of Michigan's School of Natural Resources in 1939 and completed his Ph.D. in zoology and fisheries here in 1940. In 1950, Lagler was instrumental in the establishment of the Department of Fisheries within the School of Natural Resources and served as chairman of the department until 1965. In addition to being named the Justin V. Leonard Distinguished Professor of Natural Resources in 1977, Lagler was awarded the title of professor emeritus (1984) following his retirement in 1983.

Lagler achieved both national and international recognition as an expert on fisheries, conservation, and the fishes of the Great Lakes Region. Lagler was active in numerous professional societies, elected to fellowship in six national and international scientific associations, and served as president for both the American Institute of Fishery Research Biologists and the International Academy of Fishery Scientists in the 1960s. Lagler traveled widely as a consultant for many governmental and private agencies, both domestic and foreign, including the United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organization.

An energetic and prolific scholar, Lagler authored or co-authored more than one hundred-thirty technical and popular articles, papers, and books. In 1950, Lagler taught the first university telecourse, and went on to complete more than one hundred educational television programs, as well as a weekly radio show on conservation from 1963 to 1972. Tapes of several Lagler television programs, as well as scripts, study guides, and one tape of the university telecourse, are held by the Bentley Historical Library as part of the Michigan Media Collection.

Karl Frank Lagler died August 25, 1985.

From the guide to the Karl Frank Lagler papers, 1941-1970, 1945-1960, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)