Stuhler, Barbara

Barbara Jeanne Stuhler was born April 18, 1927, in Monticello, Iowa, the daughter of George Russell and Mae (Galbraith) Stuhler. She was raised in Evanston, Illinois, and attended MacMurray College (Jacksonville, Illinois) where she earned a bachelor's degree in sociology in 1945. After college, Stuhler enrolled in the University of Minnesota Graduate School of Public Administration (now the Hubert Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs). On completion of her course work, she was awarded an internship in the National Institute of Public Affairs, working in 1946-1947 with the Social Security Administration and the Bureau of the Budget (now the Office of Management and Budget). Following her internship, she joined the Bureau of Public Administration staff at the University of Virginia as a research assistant and bibliographer.

Stuhler moved to Minneapolis in 1948 when she was offered a position as executive secretary of the Minnesota branch of the League of Women Voters. Stuhler worked for two years before accepting a position as assistant director of the World Affairs Center in the University of Minnesota's General Extension Division. In 1952, after completing a thesis on the League of Women Voters of Minnesota, she received a master's degree in public administration. She continued as associate director of the World Affairs Center until 1975 when she was promoted to associate dean for Community Relations and Extension Services of Continuing Education and Extension. In 1988 she was again promoted to the rank of executive associate dean. During her university tenure, Stuhler taught numerous adult education courses, managed the World Affairs Center, authored many articles and pamphlet publications, and was a frequent speaker at conferences, professional associations, and local club meetings.

In addition to her university career Stuhler maintained an active membership in the League of Women Voters and served in leadership positions at both national and state levels. Her many League activities included heading an exchange tour of the Soviet Union in 1967, participating in numerous conferences, writing newsletter articles, drafting text for informational pamphlets, consulting on the design of historical exhibits, and planning celebratory events for the 75th anniversary of women's suffrage. Although she may have given the League her largest attention, Stuhler was also active in many other professional, civic, and women's organizations, including the National Council of Community World Affairs Organization, the United Nations Rally of Minnesota, the Arms Control Association, the Minnesota Humane Society, the Women's Candidate Development Coalition, and the Minnesota Women's Campaign Fund.

In addition to these professional and organizational activities Stuhler also researched and authored several historical books and articles that focused on Minnesota politicians and women.

Stuhler retired from the University of Minnesota in 1990. On January 28, 2007, she died at age 82.

From the guide to the Barbara Stuhler Papers., 1945-2006., (Minnesota Historical Society)