McLeod, James Currie, 1902-1981

Professor of History and Literature of Religions (1946-71), University Chaplain (1946-52), and Dean of Students (1952-67), Northwestern University.

From the description of James C. McLeod Papers, 1945-1981. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122504486

James Currie McLeod was born on October 28, 1902 in Buffalo, New York, the son of Captain Dugald and Mary Holmes (Currie) McLeod. A Presbyterian minister, and US Navy chaplain, McCleod became university chaplain at Northwestern University in 1946. At this time he also joined NU's faculty as a professor the history and literature of religions. Beginning in 1952, McLeod also served as Dean of Students.

McLeod attended Lafayette High School and Nichols Country Day School before graduating with a B.S. degree from Middlebury College in 1926. He received his bachelor of divinity degree from Yale Divinity School in 1929, after which he was ordained a Presbyterian minister. Later, McLeod received two honorary degrees (from Alfred University in 1941 and from Middlebury in 1951).

From 1929 to 1940 McLeod served as chaplain at Alfred and also coached cross country for the university. His teams won six New York and five Middle States championships.

From 1940 to 1943 McLeod was director of the Westminster Foundation and minister to students at Ohio State University, He served as lieutenant commander and chaplain in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1946. After the conclusion of his military service, Northwestern University appointed McLeod university chaplain and associate professor of history and literature of religions in July, 1946. He attained the rank of professor in 1951 and emeritus professor in 1971. Northwestern appointed McLeod its dean of students in September, 1952 and upon this appointment he stepped down as university chaplain. McLeod remained as dean of students until September, 1967.

McLeod served as president of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators during 1963-1964 and as president of the Evanston Rotary Club in 1964-1965. He was also a member of Delta Upsilon fraternity, the Masons, the Military Chaplains Association, the University Club of Evanston and the St. Andrews Society.

McLeod married Emily Louise Johnson on August 24, 1929, The McLeods had three children: Mary-Louise (Mrs. James S. Aagaard), Adrienne (Mrs. Craig B. Heatley; d. 1999) and James Currie, Jr. McLeod died in Morton Grove, Illinois on April 14, 1981.

From the guide to the James C. McLeod (1902-1981) Papers, 1945-1981, (Northwestern University Archives)