Background
Wessell was born in Warren, Pennsylvania to Swedish immigrants Nils Johan Wessell, a Congregationalist minister, and Esther Walquist Wessell, a nurse
Educational and foundation consultant
Wessell was born in Warren, Pennsylvania to Swedish immigrants Nils Johan Wessell, a Congregationalist minister, and Esther Walquist Wessell, a nurse
He obtained his Bachelor of Surgery in psychology from Lafayette College in 1934, his master"s in psychology from Brown University in 1935, and his Doctor of Philosophy in psychology from the University of Rochester in 1938.
He was later awarded honorary degrees from Lafayette College, Lesley College, Boston University, Boston College, Northeastern University, Brown University, and Brandeis University)
Brought to Tufts in 1939 by his mentor, Tufts president Leonard Carmichael, Wessell taught psychology (1939-1947) and was dean of liberal arts (1939-1953) and vice president (1951-1953). Upon becoming president of the college on December 9, 1953, he called for Tufts to become a university, leading the Massachusetts Board of Corporations to change the name from Tufts College to Tufts University. In addition to the name change, Wessell committed to developing graduate programs in the colleges of arts, sciences and engineering in order to become a true research university.
Biology and chemistry laboratories, an engineering building, new dormitories, and the Wessell Library were built during his presidency, and the Experimental College and Lincoln Filene Center for Public Service were opened.
He resigned in 1966 due to his belief in "change in the office of president in a university every 10 or 15 years."
In 1976, he was chairman of a New York commission that studied the possibility of merging the City University of New York system with the State University of New York system, ultimately advising against lieutenant In 1979 Wessell was named "Swedish American of the year".
He died at his home in Naples, Florida on March 4, 2007.
Foundation chairman Tufts University Capital Campaign, 1988-1991. Chairman Chebeague (Maine) Library. Building Fund Campaign, 1987-1988.
Advisory committee Foundation for Investment Education, 1988-1991. Board trustees The Conservancy, Naples, Florida, 1989-1992, secretary, 1991-1992. Advisory council chairman Collier Cultural and Educational Center, 1990-1992.
Member American Psychological Association, American Academy Arts and Sciences (social arts and science vice president 1957-1959), American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Education Research Association, Bentley Village Country Club, Great Chebeague Golf Club, Backwater Jacks, Phi Beta Kappa, Alpha Omega alpha, Omicron Kappa Upsilon, Sigma Xi.
Married Marian Ruth Sigler, September 15, 1938. Children: Nils Hartley, Roberta W. McCuskey.