Fred Lewis Pattee was an American author and scholar who made significant contributions to the academic study of American literature. Born in 1863, Pattee spent a major portion of his career at the Pennsylvania State University, where he served as a professor from 1895 until 1928. During his tenure, he became widely recognized as the "first Professor of American Literature," a title that highlighted his pioneering role in establishing the subject as a formal field of study in higher education.
In addition to his academic and scholarly pursuits, Pattee is well-remembered for composing the lyrics to the Penn State Alma Mater. His work at the university helped shape its cultural identity and left a lasting legacy on both the institution and the broader landscape of American literary scholarship. He passed away in 1950.
