WOU Repository

Joseph Landers was born in Burensburg, Illinois on January 3, 1863 and was educated at Northern Indiana Normal School, Valparaiso University, and University of Colorado. He served as principal and superintendent of schools in Illinois from 1887 to 1896. In Oregon he served as principal at The Dalles High School in 1896, and superintendent of Pendleton school system from 1906 to 1918.  Landers headed the Psychology department at University of New Mexico from 1918 to 1921 before returning to Oregon as the president of Oregon Normal School (ONS). During his time at ONS, Landers formed close relationships with the students and faculty and was well respected by both groups. He remained at ONS as an emeritus professor until his retirement in 1947. Landers published several books on psychology and instruction. He died August 28, 1947 at his home in Monmouth, Oregon. In 1970, a new dormitory, Landers Hall, was named in his honor.