University News
P.E. Chair Emeritus Ann L. Lamb Passes Away
October 3, 2008
MACOMB, IL - - Ann L. Lamb, 84, chair and professor emeritus of the women's physical education department at Western Illinois University, passed away at Heartland Healthcare Center in Macomb in the early morning on Oct. 1.
She came to Western in 1966 as an associate professor in women's physical education (WPE). Lamb was acting chair of the department in 1967-68, and she served as chair of department from 1968-1981. She also served as acting dean of the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation in 1970-72, while keeping her WPE administrative duties. During her early tenure (1971), old Brophy Hall (Morgan gymnasium) burned down and the present Brophy Hall was constructed.
Lamb was largely responsible for organizing women's intercollegiate athletics at Western and for appointing the first women's athletic director. Throughout her career, she supported opportunities across campus for all women students and faculty. Also, as chair and as a faculty member, she initiated numerous curricular changes in the undergraduate and graduate physical education programs. In addition to courses in WPE, she taught statistics courses for business majors and served part-time as an adviser in the University Advising Center. Lamb also served on many school and University committees and councils, including vice president of Faculty Senate. She retired from Western Sept. 30, 1989.
The Western Organization for Women (WOW) presented Lamb its outstanding recognition award; and in 2000, Lamb was among just 45 women in the history of Western Illinois University to be honored in the "Women of Western Centennial Photographic Exhibit."
Lamb served in the Army Air Corp in 1943-44 in flight operations before earning her bachelor's and master's degrees in physical education from Utah State University. She received her Ed.D. in physical education and certificate in counseling from the University of Utah. In 1972-73, she was granted a fellowship at The Ohio State University for advanced study in research design and statistical analysis.
Prior to coming to Western Illinois, Lamb taught physical education at the College of Southern Utah and at high schools in Utah and Idaho.
Lamb enjoyed downhill and cross country skiing, tennis, golf, swimming and gardening.
She is survived locally by longtime friends Donna Phillips and Marion Blackinton, two sisters in Utah, a brother in Wyoming and many nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6 at the Nelson Funeral Parlor in Logan, Utah, with interment following at the Hyde Park, Utah cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation, American Cancer Society or to the donor's choice.
A guestbook is available at http://obit.nelsonfuneralhome.com.
A celebration of Lamb's life will be held in Macomb at a later date.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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