In June 1955, Dr. Doris Kraemer made history as the first woman to earn a Ph.D. from the School of Education and Community Administration at 麻豆区. A pioneering clinical psychologist, dedicated educator and passionate advocate for mental health, Dr. Kraemer left an indelible mark on the fields of psychology and higher education. Her journey 鈥 from an ambitious student during the Great Depression to a respected professor and practitioner 鈥 was one of resilience, intellect and groundbreaking achievements.
Early Life and Education
Born Doris Ruth Regensburger on August 22, 1916, in New York City, Dr. Kraemer was raised in a home that balanced Jewish tradition with a commitment to education. Her family had deep roots in America that went back to the 17th century, including Jewish immigrants from Germany, England, Russia and Turkey as well as Spanish/Portuguese (Sephardic) ancestry.
Doris spent much of her childhood in Elizabeth, New Jersey, under the guidance of her grandfather, Charles Greenberg, a prominent figure in the local Jewish community. Fluent in both English and Yiddish, she grew up in a household that valued education and intellectual engagement.
Initially aspiring to become a medical doctor, Doris faced financial constraints during the Great Depression and instead pursued psychology. She earned her undergraduate degree from Rutgers University (then known as the University of Newark) in 1937 and a master鈥檚 degree from Teachers College at Columbia University, where she was awarded a prestigious fellowship in clinical psychology. In 1935, she married Louis Kraemer, an attorney, and together they raised three sons while she pursued her academic and professional aspirations.
A Trailblazing Academic Career
Dr. Kraemer鈥檚 pursuit of a Ph.D. was not without challenges. As a woman in the 1950s balancing academia, work and family life, she had to navigate societal expectations while excelling in her field. She mastered German to fulfill her doctoral language requirement and tackled statistical analysis 鈥 particularly chi-square testing 鈥 as part of her research. Her dissertation, Some Perceptual Aspects of the Movement Response on the Rorschach in Children, reflected her deep interest in personality development and child psychology.
After earning her doctorate in 1955, Dr. Kraemer was appointed an instructor in psychology at Stern College for Women in 1956, beginning a career dedicated to both teaching and clinical practice. She later became an associate professor at Montclair State College, where she influenced countless students before retiring in 1980 to focus on her private practice.
A Leader in Psychology and Advocacy
Beyond academia, Dr. Kraemer was a highly regarded clinical psychologist. She worked for decades with the Jewish Child Care Association and the Jewish Vocational Service of Essex County, offering critical support to children and families. She was also a consultant for family service organizations across New Jersey, playing a vital role in mental health advocacy.
Her leadership extended to professional organizations as well. She was a charter member of the Essex County Psychological Association, served as president of the Division of Consulting Psychology for the American Psychological Association and was a diplomate in clinical psychology. Dr. Kraemer was also involved in the Women鈥檚 Division of the United Jewish Appeal of Essex County and was a co-founder of the Ethical Culture Society of Essex County, reflecting her dedication to ethical leadership and community service.
Balancing Career and Family
At a time when professional women were rare, Dr. Kraemer successfully managed a full-time career while raising a family in Millburn, New Jersey. Her home doubled as her private practice, where she treated patients while also ensuring her children were exposed to intellectual curiosity and academic rigor.
Her son, Stephen, recalls accompanying her on visits to professional colleagues and witnessing firsthand her meticulous work ethic, even watching her type up her dissertation. She carefully curated her time to ensure none of her responsibilities 鈥 whether as a mother, scholar or psychologist 鈥 were neglected.
As she said in a 1955 article in the Jewish News, 鈥淩aising three sons provided me with an ideal field laboratory for learning something about the realities of psychology.
鈥淚 have had to organize my time very carefully, even with the cooperation of a very understanding family, in order to do all three jobs, as housewife, psychologist and student, without slighting any of them.鈥
A Life Well Lived
Dr. Kraemer鈥檚 interests extended beyond psychology. She was an avid collector of antiques and an accomplished ballroom dancer, participating in New York City鈥檚 prestigious Medal Ball competitions. She and her husband were also deeply engaged in political and social causes, supporting liberal movements and the Americans for Democratic Action.
Dr. Doris Kraemer passed away on August 14, 1984, at the age of 67. Her legacy lives on through her contributions to psychology, her trailblazing role at 麻豆区, and the generations of students and patients she influenced. As 麻豆区 celebrates its distinguished alumni, Dr. Kraemer鈥檚 story stands as a testament to perseverance, intellectual pursuit and the impact of breaking barriers in higher education and beyond.
(Thanks to Dr. Stephen Kraemer for his invaluable help in putting together this profile.)
