Erma Plaehn
UNI 150: People you should know
The woman who formed UNI’s Department of Political Science
Erma Plaehn’s career is marked by a devotion to her passion for political science. Not only did she spearhead the charge to create the standalone Department of Political Science, but she was also one of the first women to lead a department at a top university.
Plaehn began her career at the Iowa State Teachers College in 1936 as a laboratory school instructor who supervised social studies. Nine years later, she became an assistant professor of political science in the Department of Social Science. She became the first head of the Department of Political Science in 1969. She retired in 1973, two years after returning to teaching full-time, and earned emeritus status.
Plaehn was revered by students and colleagues alike. She was the first woman faculty member to receive the Torch and Tassel Award for her continued scholarship, leadership and service. She also received the Alumni Service Award from the UNI Alumni Association twice in recognition of her contributions to UNI, its alumni and Iowa.
“She was much more than a teacher,” said Robert Ross, a former department head for political science. “Her life was working with and enjoying students.”
1979. Erma Plaehn's brother Bill Plaehn and Shirley Haupt standing next to a painted portrait of Erma.
Erma Plaehn looking at a glass display case filled with artifacts.
Plaehn also belonged to a number of community organizations and was part of the Governor's Commission on the Status of Women as well as the Board of Iowa Center for Education in Politics. Other national organizations she belonged to included the Midwest and American Political Science Associations, the American Civil Liberties Union, and AAUP. She also helped create the Iowa Conference of Political Scientists and served as one of its officers.
Senator Chuck Grassley recorded a video about Plaehn’s impact on him personally in 2009 for the nonprofit organization My Teacher, My Hero. In the video, Grassley explained she was a key reason why he attended the Iowa State Teachers College. She encouraged him and others to become teachers, tracked their progress as students and maintained an interest in their overall well-being.
Even after she passed away, Plaehn ensured she would continue to impact UNI. In her will, she requested her possessions be sold to create a fund providing financial support for student activities, field trips, research and political science projects. Her legacy also lives on in the form of the Erma B. Plaehn Seminar Room in Sabin Hall.
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