The papers of Woodrow W. Hunter consist of ten linear feet of material and cover Hunter's thirty-two years (1947-1979) as a professor of education and researcher at the University of Michigan. Correspondence, manuscripts, course notes, data sheets, and files relating to research and training programs are included. The collection is divided into seven series: Correspondence, Training Activities, Research and Project Files, Organizations, Institute of Gerontology, Manuscripts (Not Hunter), and Other Media. Training Activities and Research and Project Files are arranged chronologically, and all others are arranged alphabetically.
Woodrow W. Hunter, born March 23, 1913, attended the University of Michigan, earning his AB in Sociology in 1937 and his MA in Sociology in 1941. From 1941-1942 he was an Instructor in Social Sciences at Central Michigan University. After serving overseas from 1942-1946, he returned to the University of Michigan in 1946 and remained on the staff until his retirement in 1978. Hunter began his work at the university as a research assistant and later research associate with the Institute for Human Adjustment. Hunter remained with the Institute through its progression: the Division of Gerontology of the Institute for Human Adjustment and finally in 1965 as a separately-established Institute of Gerontology located at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) and Wayne State University (Detroit). Hunter served as Acting Co-Director of the Institute of Gerontology in 1970-1971 after Wilma Donahue's retirement. From 1970 until his retirement Hunter was associate professor of education. In 1978 he retired from the university and was given the title Emeritus Professor by the Regents.
Woodrow Hunter became involved in the field of gerontology in its early period in the 19408. He was involved in a number of projects of significance in the development of this field, such as the 1947-1948 Needs and Adjustments of Older People Study, the Residential Institute program, and the Faculty Seminar in Gerontology. Hunter's most important contribution to gerontology was his research and training in the area of pre-retirement education program for the Upholsterer's International Union. He did extensive training with other companies and unions, and conducted numerous research projects and pre-retirement training programs in the U.S. and in Europe.
His professional involvement included membership in the Gerontological Society, the Adult Education Association, and the Michigan Society of Gerontology, of which he was president in 1967, and which in 1972 awarded him the Harry J. Kelly Award. He was chairman of the Education for Aging Section of the 1971 White House Conference on Aging and was involved in the planning of a number of the University of Michigan Annual Conferences.
