Oberlin College. Physical Education Dept.

The general philosophy of physical education at Oberlin emerged from the "learning and labor" concept of manual labor established by Oberlin's founders. During the mid-19th century Oberlin moved from the concept of manual labor to gymnastic exercise. The first formal program of physical education at Oberlin began in 1885 under Delphine Hanna. Hanna taught a men's class which produced such eminent leaders in physical education and medicine as Thomas D. Wood, Luther Halsey Gulick, and Fred E. Leonard. By 1901 Oberlin had a flourishing intercollegiate athletic program, and established a departmental major in physical education. In 1906 C.W. Savage was appointed as Director of Athletics, beginning a new era of Oberlin athletic history. Savage continued to expand college athletics, and spoke out against professionalism in college sports. Under J. Herbert Nichols the intramural athletic program was expanded to promote greater student fitness. In 1955 Lysle K. Butler became chairman of the Department of Physical Education, and head of intramural athletics and intercollegiate sports. In 1971 the Jesse Philips Physical Education Center was constructed. The new facilities, coupled with the 1972 Title IX legislation brought women's concerns to the forefront. Sports radical Jack Scott directed the program from 1972 to 1974. His controversial regime heralded the demise of the department. In 1985 the major in physical education was abolished, and in 1989 the College faculty voted to make the department an administrative unit rather than an academic department.