A pioneer in physical education and women’s athletics at Cal State Fullerton, Jean A. Barrett died July 9 at the age of 86. The late professor joined the University in 1963 as the first female faculty member in the Physical Education Department (now Department of Kinesiology) and was honored with the emeritus title in 1991 after 28 years of service.
During her time at CSUF, Barrett was instrumental in developing the University’s physical education teacher preparation program; sport psychology curriculum; and women’s basketball, golf, volleyball and tennis teams. She also served in a number of leadership roles, including chair of the Faculty Council (now Academic Senate), chair and graduate program coordinator of the Physical Education Department, and chair of the Faculty Personnel Committee.
A scholarship in her mother’s name, Louise Annie Gillespie, will be established at Cal State Fullerton. Learn more about Barrett’s legacy.