Thelma (Hunt) Healy (1903 - 1992)

Born 30 Nov 1903 in Aurora, Madison, Arkansas, United States

Ancestors

Wife of Ernest Alfred Healy Jr — married 15 Mar 1942 in Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Died 23 Jun 1992 at age 88 in Fairfax, Virginia, United States

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Biography

Thelma (Hunt) Healy is Notable.

Thelma Hunt is notable for her groundbreaking contributions to psychology, particularly in industrial and personnel psychology. As the first graduate of Industrial Psychology at George Washington University and the institution's second psychology Ph.D. recipient, she set a precedent for academic excellence. Throughout her distinguished career, Hunt made significant advances in psychological assessment, notably playing a key role in developing the Medical College Admission Tests (MCATs). Her pioneering work in establishing training programs and directing the Center for Psychological Service underscored her commitment to advancing the field and serving various government agencies. Furthermore, Hunt's leadership as head of the coeducational psychology department and her receipt of prestigious awards, such as the Stockberger Achievement Award and recognition as an Eminent Women in Psychology, solidify her status as a trailblazer and distinguished figure in psychology.^[1]

Thelma Hunt was born on November 30, 1903, in Aurora, Madison County, Arkansas^[2], to Jay Guy Hunt and Ollie Allan (Spurlock) Hunt. In her early years, the family moved to various places, residing in Knox County, Tennessee, in 1910^[3], and later in Vansville, Prince George's County, Maryland, by 1920.^[4]

Hunt's academic journey began at George Washington University (GWU), where she displayed exceptional talent. She achieved the remarkable feat of graduating with an A.B., M.A., and Ph.D. in psychology, with a focus on industrial applications, in 1928. Notably, she became the first graduate of Industrial Psychology at GWU and was the institution's second psychology Ph.D. recipient, setting a record as the youngest individual to earn a Ph.D. from George Washington University at that time.^[5]

Following her academic triumph, Hunt embarked on a career in academia, serving as an assistant professor of psychology at the State Teacher's College in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She continued to excel in her field, establishing herself as a prominent figure in psychology.^[6]

Throughout the 1930s, Hunt's contributions to the field expanded as she founded the Center for Psychological Service. She served as its director until her retirement in 1991, utilizing her expertise to conduct evaluations for various government agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration and the Civil Service Commission.^[7][8]

From 1938 to 1963, Hunt held the prestigious position of head of the coeducational psychology department, distinguishing herself as one of the few women to lead such a department. Notably, she made significant progress in the development of the Medical College Admission Tests (MCATs), showcasing her innovative approach to psychological assessment.^[5][9]

In 1941, Hunt's professional accomplishments were further recognized when she was appointed associate professor of psychology and executive officer of the department at GWU. Additionally, she expanded her academic pursuits by establishing training programs in rehabilitation counseling, clinical psychology, and personnel psychology, later known as I/O Psychology.^[10] She married Ernest Alfred Healy Jr., on March 15, 1942 in Washington, District of Columbia.^[11][12]

Hunt's illustrious career was marked by numerous accolades, including the Stockberger Achievement Award from the International Personnel Management Association in 1984 and recognition as an Eminent Women in Psychology by the American Psychological Association in 1985. She also made significant contributions to various publications, further solidifying her legacy in psychology.^[5]

Tragically, Thelma Hunt passed away on June 23, 1993, at Manor Care Fairfax Hospital in Fairfax, Virginia. She was laid to rest at Rock Creek Cemetery in Washington, District of Columbia, leaving behind a profound impact on psychology and a legacy of academic excellence and innovation that continues to inspire generations.^[13][14]

Sources

1. ↑ Wikipedia contributors. Thelma Hunt. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. December 1, 2022, 07:51 UTC. Available at: "Thelma Hunt." Accessed February 25, 2024.
2. ↑ Brigandi, Nicole, George Washinton University, "Society for the Psychology of Women", APA Div. 20: Adult Development and Aging, (n.d.). "Thelma Hunt (1903-1992)." Accessed 24 Feb 2024.
3. ↑ 1910 United States Federal Census: Year: 1910; Census Place: Park Ward 3, Knox, Tennessee; Roll: T624_1508; Page: 29a; Enumeration District: 0106; FHL microfilm: 1375521 Ancestry Record 7884 #143491104
4. ↑ 1920 United States Federal Census: Year: 1920; Census Place: Vansville, Prince Georges, Maryland; Roll: T625_674; Page: 8B; Enumeration District: 68 Ancestry Record 6061 #84131978
5. ↑ ^{5.0 5.1 5.2} Rossiter, Margaret W.. Women Scientists in America: Before Affirmative Action, 1940-1972. United Kingdom: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1998. "Women Scientists in America - Before Affirmative Action, 1940-1972." Accessed 24 Feb 2024.
6. ↑ "Thelma Hunt Goes to Tennessee Post", Evening Star, Washington, District of Columbia, 29 Sep 1927, Thu. - Page 16. Newspapers Clip: 142028307, Accessed 24 Feb 2024.
7. ↑ "Dr. Thelma Hunt Seeks Flyers by Psychology", Evening Star, Washington, District of Columbia, 28 Apr 1940, Sun. - Page 52. Newspapers Clip: 142028007, Accessed 24 Feb 2024.
8. ↑ 1930 United States Federal Census: Year: 1930; Census Place: Berwyn Heights, Prince George, Maryland; Page: 2B; Enumeration District: 0055; FHL microfilm: 2340613 Ancestry Record 6224 #105526384
9. ↑ 1940 United States Federal Census: Year: 1940; Census Place: Washington, District of Columbia, District of Columbia; Roll: m-t0627-00561; Page: 5A; Enumeration District: 1-251 Ancestry Record 2442 #921906
10. ↑ "New Courses Listed At G.W.U. on Public Personnel Work", Evening Star, Washington, District of Columbia, 2 Feb 1941, Sun. - Page 31. Newspapers Clip: 142028626, Accessed 24 Feb 2024.
11. ↑ District of Columbia, U.S., Marriage Records, 1810-1953: Ancestry.com. District of Columbia, U.S., Marriage Records, 1810-1953 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2016. Original data: Marriage Records. District of Columbia Marriages. Clerk of the Superior Court, Records Office, Washington D.C. Ancestry Record 61404 #900101860
12. ↑ "Miss Thelma Hunt To Be Bride Today IN Cathedral Rites", Evening Star, Washington, District of Columbia, 15 Mar 1942, Sun. - Page 51. Newspapers Clip: 142043454, Accessed 24 Feb 2024.
13. ↑ Virginia, U.S., Death Records, 1912-2014: Virginia Department of Health; Richmond, Virginia; Virginia Deaths, 1912-2014 Ancestry Record 9278 #4884216
14. ↑ U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014: Social Security Administration; Washington D.C., USA; Social Security Death Index, Master File Ancestry Record 3693 #26541727

See Also

• Wikidata: Item Q86875150