Published: November 11, 2009 10:20 pm         

Harriet Driskell Darrow

Harriet Driskell Darrow died Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009. She was born on Jan. 6, 1921, the daughter of Willis S. Driskell and Ina K. (Apple) Driskell. She married Norman L. Darrow on Jan. 18, 1941. She received three degrees from Indiana State University, including her B.S. in 1954, her M.S. in 1956, and her Ed.A. in 1959. She received her doctorate in elementary education (Language Arts, Sociology, Physical Anthropology), from Indiana University, in 1961.

Harriet served as an instructor at ISU Lab School from 1955 to 1959, and then was named assistant professor in the Department of Education. She was promoted to Dean of Summer Sessions and Academic Services in 1967. In 1983, she was appointed as Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Instructional Services. Following retirement, she was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award, in 2003.

Dr. Darrow championed several special programs including Academic Services for Women while at ISU. She started this program in 1969, to assist and encourage mature women returning to college. To promote this program, Dr. Darrow spoke to most all women’s groups in the Wabash Valley. More than 70 percent of women ultimately attained at least one degree. Dr. Darrow also initiated a High School Summer Honors Program for high school juniors, who showed promise of outstanding achievement. Two-week honors seminars were conducted in various subject areas. The program began with four seminars in 1969, and had grown to 17 seminars by the time of her retirement.

Dr. Darrow received many honors including finishing her degrees summa cum laude. She received a commendation by the ISU Faculty Women’s Club for her Academic Services for Women Program in 1973. ISU Panhellenic named her an Outstanding Alumnus, in 1976. She received the Terre Award for Education by the Terre Haute Area Chamber of Commerce in 1987.

Dr. Darrow was a leader at a local and national level. She served as president of the North Central Conference on Summer Sessions, president of the National Association of Summer Sessions, president of the Vigo County Cancer Society, president of the Vigo County Area Chamber of Commerce, Board Member of Regional Hospital, Board Member of the YWCA of Terre Haute, Board Member of Leadership Terre Haute, and Board Member of the United Way.

Dr. Darrow achieved many things during her precious lifetime, but she would say that her overarching achievement was her family whom she showered with enduring love. She was known simply as “Great” to her great-grandsons. She enjoyed playing bridge, coaxing her beautiful roses to flourish, tennis, and golf.

Dr. Darrow is survived by her husband, Norman L. Darrow; sister, Evelyn Woods; son, Gregory L. Darrow (Beverly); granddaughters, Amy L. Tomlinson (Brett), Amanda L. Wedl (Brian), and Rachel E. Darrow; and great-grandsons, Fynn R. Wedl and Grey D. Wedl.

The family requests that donations be made to the general scholarship fund of Indiana State University in lieu of flowers.