Latta, John Stephens, 1895-1989

Biography

John Stephens Latta was born in North Tonawanda, New York, on June 5, 1895. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Miami University of Ohio in 1916. He was awarded a Ph.D. degree by Cornell University in 1920. Latta served in World War I as a private in the aerial photographic section of the Air Services from 1917 to 1919. He was an Instructor in Embryology and Histology on the faculty of the Medical College of Cornell University from 1919 to 1921.

Latta joined the faculty of the University of Nebraska College of Medicine as Assistant Professor of Anatomy and served in that capacity from 1921 to 1924. He was promoted to Associate Professor of Anatomy in 1925, and held that rank until 1928. He was named Professor of Anatomy in 1928, and served in that capacity until 1966. In addition to his teaching duties, he served as Secretary of the Department of Anatomy from 1930 to 1941, and Chairman of the Department of Anatomy from 1941 to 1961. From 1961 until his retirement in 1966, Latta taught part-time, conducted research, and advised graduate students. He was an Emeritus Professor of Anatomy, University of Nebraska College of Medicine, from 1966 until his death in 1989.

In 1957, Latta was given the Distinguished Teaching Award by the University of Nebraska Foundation. Latta was a member of the Nebraska Academy of Science, the Nebraska Board of Basic Science Examiners, the Nebraska State Anatomical Board, and the American Association of Basic Science Boards. He was a member of the Association for the Advancement of Science, the Association of Anatomists, and the International Society of Hematology. He was a member of Sigma Xi and Alpha Omega Alpha. On June 5, 1966, the University of Nebraska College of Medicine gave Latta the Distinguished Service to Medicine Award. Dr. Latta and his wife were the parents of two children, including Dr. C. Rex Latta of Omaha.

In 1982, the University of Nebraska College of Medicine Alumni Association established the John S. Latta Lectureship. The annual lecture is held to commemorate the life and dedication of Dr. Latta. The Latta lecture is presented by a nationally or internationally known medical or scientific scholar.

Dr. Latta died on September 17, 1989, in Omaha.

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