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Before becoming president of Indiana University, Herman B Wells served as an assistant cashier at the National Bank of Lebanon before going on to work for the Indiana Bankers Association, the Indiana Commission for Financial Institutions, and the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions. He was named dean of the Indiana University School of Business administration in 1935 by IU President William Lowe Bryan. In 1937 he was named acting president of the university and president the following year, a position he held until 1962. Upon his retirement, IU created the position of University Chancellor, which Dr. Wells held until his death in 2000. This collection consists of Wells' personal papers and includes papers pertaining to his family and personal finances, his activities in the banking profession, his work in Germany for the United States government after World War II, and to his research and teaching and professional activities as a member of the faculty of Indiana University.

The Ball mss., 1873-1981, consists of the correspondence, family papers, and items collected by George Alexander Ball, 1862-1955, his wife, Frances Emily (Woodworth) Ball, 1872-1958, and their daughter, Elisabeth Woodworth Ball, 1897-1982.

The Bowers mss. II, 1867-1960, consists of the papers of newspaperman and diplomat Claude Gernade Bowers, 1878-1958.

The Haurowitz mss., 1920-1985, consists of the papers of chemist Felix Haurowitz, 1896-1987.

The Carmichael mss., 1921-1955, consist of the papers of Hoagland Howard (Hoagy) Carmichael, 1899-1981, composer, radio artist, recording artist, writer and actor for Broadway shows and motion pictures.

The Berry mss., 1925-1971, consists of the papers of diplomat Burton Yost Berry, 1901-1985.

The Dorson mss., 1925-1981, consists of the papers of folklorist Richard Mercer Dorson, 1916-1981.

The Willkie mss., 1934-1945, consist of correspondence, diaries, political memorabilia of Wendell L. Willkie.

The Eldridge mss., 1941-1978, consists of the papers of James Anthony Eldridge, 1920-1978, lecturer, editor, and critic.

This collection has been incorporated into the Herman B Wells papers, Collection C75. Please visit the C75 finding aid, "German Assignment" series to review and request access to these materials.Herman B Wells was an Indiana University alumnus, president, and chancellor. Late in 1947, in the midst of his presidency, Wells took a six month leave of absence to serve as Director of the Education and Cultural Relations Division of the Office of Military Government for German, U.S. (OMGUS). During this time he also served as General Lucius D. Clay's cultural affairs advisor. The collection includes correspondence, writings and reports, a diary, and subject files but consists primarily of correspondence with Indiana University, fellow OMGUS personnel, and individuals seeking help immigrating or locating displaced persons.