Rugen, Mabel E.

Mabel E. Rugen was born May 13, 1902, in Glenview, Illinois. After receiving her B.S. in physical education from the University of Wisconsin in 1925, she worked as a physical education teacher in the Glenview Public Schools. She then went on to New York where she earned a M.A. (1929) and a Ph.D. (1931) from New York University in physical education.

Rugen first taught health, physical education and biology in the elementary and secondary schools of Kansas, New York and New Jersey. In 1930, she secured a position at the University of Michigan as Assistant Professor of Physical Education for Women. Soon after, she was promoted to Associate Professor of Physical Education and Health Coordinator for the University High School (both appointments were in the School of Education). As associate professor, Rugen taught student teachers in the directed teaching program for physical education. In 1941, she joined the faculty of the newly formed School of Public Health as Assistant Professor of Health Education, while retaining her position at the School of Education. In 1946 she was promoted to full Professor of Health Education in both the School of Education and the School of Public Health. Rugen held this joint appointment until her retirement in 1970.

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