Archives West Finding Aid

Women's physical education at WSU began in 1901-02. Nine years later folk dancing was introduced into the program. Since that time dance has become an increasingly significant part of the women's physical education curriculum.

For further history, see "The History of the Development of the Women's Physical Education Major Program of the State College of Washington, From its Inception in 1919, to 1929," by Maxine Hazel Smith, Pullman, 1951 (Unpublished M.A. thesis).

Joanne Washburn who received her Masters in Science from WSU, worked for Washington State University in a number of capacities. She first worked as an instructor in the Physical Education (PE) department from 1966 to 1970. She then worked as an assistant P.E. professor from 1970 to 1974. Next she worked as the Assistant Women’s Athletic Director from 1974 to 1981. After that she was an Associate PE professor from 1982 to 1984. She then became an associate professor in Physical Education Sports and Leisure Studies from 1984 to 1994. Finally from 1994 to 2004 she was an associate professor with her office in Cleveland. She worked for WSU for a total of 38 years. Additional information about Joanne Washburn can be found in Archives 202 and 262.