March 26, 2024
SIU professor seeks information and artifacts about the history of women's collegiate sports at the university
CARBONDALE, Ill. — As Southern Illinois University Carbondale celebrates Women's History Month, a sports studies professor is gathering information and photos to document the school's groundbreaking role in women's college athletics. .
Bobby Knapp, associate professor of sports studies with cross-appointments in women's, gender, and sexuality studies, has strong ties to SIU and its women's athletics administration, as well as women's coaches to the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW). said. He also noted that some female Salukis have played an important role in the establishment and success of institutions such as SIU and women's athletics.
Knapp explores the history of women's sports pioneers Dorothy Davis and Charlotte West, the Women's Athletic Department (women's athletics originated at SIU), and the Women's Intercollegiate Athletics Department (also located in Davis Hall). He is compiling historical records.
“We know that people probably have a lot of records and information, and we want to collect it in one place before it gets lost or forgotten,” Knapp said. “SIU, Dorothy Davis, Dr. West, and other faculty and coaches are extraordinary pioneers in women's athletics, and we want to fully document these women and their efforts and contributions to help future generations. I want to be able to express my gratitude.”
charlotte west
One of Knapp's artifacts is a certificate from SIU, which became a founding member of AIAW in 1971. Charlotte West helped organize AIAW and became its president in 1978. His other SIU instructors and coaches also selected him for the AIAW position. SIU won several national championships for the organization and hosted a national championship event.
During her 42-year career as an SIU track and field athlete, West advanced women to unprecedented levels in sports on campus and nationally. An athlete herself, Ms. West coached volleyball, basketball, softball, golf, swimming and badminton, and she served in numerous national roles, including her six years on the NCAA Board of Governors. She was the first female member of the National Association of Directors of Collegiate Athletics, served as a consultant to the federal government on Title IX, and was SIU's first female athletics director.
dorothy davis
Davis Hall, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2025, is named for Dorothy Davis, a teacher, coach, administrator and founder of SIU's women's collegiate athletics department for 35 years.
One of the nation's most respected physical education teachers and a member of the Saluki Hall of Fame in 1982 (the first class to include women), in addition to teaching, she also coaches field hockey, basketball, softball, and tennis. did. Since she retired in 1974, the building that bears her name is one of eight that make up the “Old Campus.” The state legislature allocated her $60,000 to construct this building in 1895, and Davis Hall included a museum, gymnasium, and social hall.
physical education
Physical education was one of the campus' original programs and will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2024.
Two years ago, we celebrated the 90th anniversary of the establishment of the Bachelor of Physical Education degree for men, and 2022 will also mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Master of Physical Education degree for men and women. In 2025, the woman will celebrate her 45th anniversary of earning a bachelor's degree in physical education, but it will also be her 45th year since the men's and women's programs were combined.
Contact Knapp
Knapp asks anyone with information, photos or other artifacts to contact bknapp@siu.edu.
Knapp said she also plans to use some of what she collects to create information graphics and is working with the SIU Foundation on a future fundraising campaign to renovate Davis Hall.
