Finding Aid Updated January 2024
Collection is open to the public. Collection must be used in Special Collections and University Archives Reading Room. Collection or parts of collection may be stored offsite. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives in advance of your visit to allow for transportation time.
John V. Bovard was faculty in the University of Oregon Biology department starting in 1906. He later became head of Zoology. He was the first dean of UO's Physical Education program in 1920, the first such program established in the country. He left UO in 1937 to finish his career at the University of California, Los Angeles. His research confronted problems related to human fatigue. Though the department and program was originally called "Physical Education," research and coursework was more akin to what we might now call Human Physiology. In addition to his academic pursuits, Bovard was involved in both the Mazamas and the Obsidians, outdoors enthusiasts clubs in Oregon.
This collection contains the faculty papers of John Bovard, created and maintained in his capacity as professor of physical education (human physiology) at both the Unviersity of Oregon and University of California, Los Angeles. Topics covered include lecture notes and class records of courses he taught, material related to the Northwest Council of Teach Education Standards for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. There is a small amount of personal material related to Bovard's contributions to and involvement in clubs and organizations like the Obsidians, an outdoors enthusiast group in Eugene.