Mary Jean Mulvaney, Professor Emerita and former chair of the Department of Physical Education and Director of Athletics, passed away September 20, 2019. She was 92.

"A beloved and pioneering figure in the rich history of UChicago Athletics & Recreation, Mulvaney served the department for 24 years from 1966 to 1990. During that time, she became one of the nation's first female athletic directors of a coeducational department.

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Mulvaney was a stalwart champion for and supporter of UChicago athletics. She raised the profile of the department within the University community, while also starting and nurturing the growth of the women's varsity program. The department increased its women's sports offerings from two to nine during her tenure. UChicago now sponsors 20 varsity sports (10 women,10 men) that compete within NCAA Division III."

Read Prof. Mulvaney's full obituary via UChicago Athletics & Recreation and read more about her pioneering work in athletics via the 1998 University of Chicago Chronicle.