Herman B Wells (1902-2000) was the 11th president of Indiana University. He served the university in a variety of capacities, most notably as president and as chancellor, and was pivotal to the development of IU into a world-class institution of higher learning.
Much more than the title might suggest, [this is] a heart-warming account of a young boy and his parents [who were] determined that a son should have a college education, a classic and detailed account of his widening involvement with every aspect of higher education, and a stirring story of a wise administrator. [Wells'] life is an astonishing success story. . . . He was not just lucky, he was careful and courageous. * Journal of Higher Education * Being Lucky is as entertaining as it is informative. Wells' biographer, James H. Capshew, called it 'a manual of higher education management.'. . . Reading Wells' fascinating autobiography shows why it is no wonder that Indiana University is so proud of the great man and honors his accomplishments. * Louisville Courier Journal * Wells' humor, wit, and humanity pervade every chapter. * Indiana Magazine of History * An honest report by a most successful educator [and] a tribute to a great university and to a man with foresight who also had the courage to act on his convictions. * Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette *