Olive Wheeler

Dame Olive Annie Wheeler, DBE (4 May 1886 – 26 September 1963) was a Welsh educationist and psychologist, and Professor of Education at University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire, now Cardiff University.

Early life Born at the High Street in Brecon, Olive Wheeler was the younger daughter of Annie Wheeler, Poole, and her husband, Henry Burford Wheeler. Henry Wheeler was a master printer and publisher. In 1908 she was awarded a double first in a Secondary Teachers Certificate, University of Wales. Wheeler stood as the Labour candidate for the University of Wales parliamentary constituency in the 1922 general election against Thomas Arthur Lewis.

Wheeler was appointed as Professor of Education (Women) at University College at Cardiff in 1925, as well as (temporarily) the Dean of the Faculty of Education. She was the first female head of department in the University of Wales. Her title was officially changed to Professor of Education in 1933.

Damehood She was created a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 1950 New Year Honours for education and social work in Wales, particularly for her work with the University of Wales, the Workers’ Educational Association and the Welsh Joint Education Committee.

Death She died suddenly in the Kardomah Café in Queen Street, Cardiff on 26 September 1963. She bequeathed her library of educational materials to Cardiff University, as well as funds to create an annual prize of £500 to be awarded to the university's top student in the department of education. She left £250 to the South Wales District of the Workers' Educational Association and Park End Presbyterian Church, Cardiff.

Affiliations Fellow, University of Wales