Gittings, Ina E., 1885-1966.

Educator, University of Arizona; first director of Dept. of Physical Education for Women.

Ina E. Gittings was born 14 January 1885 in Wilbur, Nebraska. She attended the University of Nebraska, receiving her A.B. degree in 1906. During World War I, she served as a physiotherapist with the Army Medical Corps, and was afterwards stationed in Tarsus, Turkey, as a relief organizer and worker. In 1920, she joined the University of Arizona faculty as that institution's first director of physical education for women.

She received her M.A. degree from the University of Arizona in 1925, and did additional graduate work at Columbia University from 1929 to 1930. A pioneer in her field, Gittings introduced women undergraduates at the University of Arizona to such sports as archery, horseback riding, swimming, track, and various team sports. After her retirement in 1955, she continued to be active in civic and community activities until her death on 11 March 1966.