Athens News - April 14, 2008

Freda A. Phillips, 92, died April 12, 2008. Freda was born in McCook, Nebraska on November 22, 1915. She received a B.S. Ed. Degree from The University of Nebraska, a M. Ed degree from The Pennsylvania State University, and her doctorate, P.E.D., from Springfield College.

Freda was a teacher in the elementary and secondary schools in Nebraska, and was Chairperson of the Department of Physical Education for Women at the University of Nebraska. She later served as an instructor of Physical Education for Women at the University of Arizona. She became an Assistant Professor in the School of HPER at The Pennsylvania State University. She then moved to Vermont to become Chairperson of the Department of Health and Physical Education at the University of Vermont. In 1960, Dr. Phillips joined the faculty in the School of HPER at Ohio University. She became an Associate Professor in 1965 and continued to teach Health Education, Adapted Physical Education, Rhythmic Activities, and the graduate Seminar class. During this time, Dr. Phillips established the School Nurse Program. She was a productive and respected faculty member until her retirement in 1984.

Dr. Phillips was a member of the American Association of Health, Physical Education, and Dance, the Ohio Association of Health and Physical Education, the Retired Teachers of Ohio. She was granted Emerita status at Ohio University and was a Life Member of the Ohio University Emeriti Association.

Freda was preceded in death by her parents, George W. Phillips and Gertrude C. (Snoke) Phillips; and a brother, Vernon A. Phillips.