Leroy T. Laase, Speech and Dramatic Arts Papers

LeRoy T. Laase was born in Wisner, Nebraska, on July 6, 1905. He received his bachelor's degree in 1927 from Doane College at Crete, Nebraska, his master's degree in 1929 from Northwestern, and his doctor's degree from the University of Iowa in 1937. He did advanced studies at Yale University and the Universities of Michigan and Wisconsin.

Before joining the University of Nebraska faculty in 1940, Laase served Professor of Speech and Chairman of the Speech Department at Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska, for ten years. At the University of Nebraska, he served as Assistant Professor and Acting Chairman of the Department of Speech, 1940-1942, Associate Professor, Chairman and Tenure, 1942-1948 and Professor of Speech and Chairman of the Department, 1948 until 1968. Laase then concentrated on teaching, research and Direction of Graduate Study including the new Ph.D. program for the remaining years of his academic career.

Laase focused on speech correction and therapy services in Nebraska Public Schools. He helped establish a speech and hearing clinic at the University and the operation of a therapy program. The program provided train for teachers who specialize in speech correction and aiding a limited number of children and adults with speech and hearing difficulties. Under his direction, the University operated a speech and hearing testing service for all new students. Laase changed and broadened the Speech Department to one involving balanced programs in Speech Communication, Theater Arts, and Speech Pathology and Audiology, with increased emphasis on service courses.

Laase served as President of the Nebraska State Speech Association, President of the Central States Speech Association, and a member of the Administrative Council, Speech Association of America from 1961-1964. He participated as a national officer of forensic fraternities Delta Sigma Rho, 1940-63 and Delta Sigma Rho-Tau Kappa Alpha, 1966-69.

Laase died September 4, 1979 following a heart attack.