Indiana’s Kathryn McHale became Director of AAUW

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Kathryn McHale started her career in the classroom in a public school in Logansport, Indiana, and eventually became the General Director of the American Association of University Women. Photo Credit: Cash County Historical Society

During the early 19th century, many excellent classroom teachers have contributed to the professional development and promotion of women. One of these was Kathryn McHale, a school teacher from Indiana who became the General Director of the American Association of University Women (AAUW).

Kathryn was born on July 22, 1889, in Logansport, Indiana. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in 1919, her Master’s degree in 1920, and her PhD in 1926, all from Teachers College at Columbia University in New York City.

As a young woman, Kathryn taught in a public school in her home town of Logansport for seven years, from 1910 to 1917. By the 1920s, she had achieved a full professorship at Goucher College in Maryland. She also instructed courses at New York University, Carleton College in Minnesota, and the University of Minnesota.

Kathryn was a superb classroom educator, but her dedication to the profession expanded beyond the classroom. She served on the Board of Trustees for Purdue University from 1937 to 1946. She served as a member of the National Committee for United Nations Education, Social, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). She was also involved in projects for the US Office of Education, the American Association of Adult Education, the National Association of Foreign Student Advisors, the Women’s Interest Section of the Advisory Council of the War Department, and the National Foundation for Education in American Citizenship.

From 1929 to 1950, Kathryn became the General Director of the AAUW. As the organization increased in membership, their work towards improving the status of women expanded. Their programs grew to include diverse social and economic problems, support for higher standards in education, and support for the arts.

In addition, Kathryn was an accomplished author. She wrote numerous articles that were published in professional journals, including the Journal of Childhood Education, Teachers College Record, Journal of Higher Education, Applied Psychology, and Psychological Clinic. She was also involved in co-authoring publications for the AAUW.

Sadly, Kathryn McHale suffered a stroke and passed away on Oct. 8, 1956, in Washington, DC. She was 67 years old. She is interred at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Logansport.