Mary L. Dawson
April 9, 2002
Mary L. Dawson, professor of health, physical education and recreation, died April 2 after battling cancer. She was 53.
Earlier this year, Dawson was one of two faculty members honored with the WMU Alumni Association's Teaching Excellence Award.
Dawson graduated from WMU with a B.S. in physical education in 1969. She continued her education at Indiana University where she earned a master's degree in physical education and a doctorate in biomechanics.
With expertise in the study of human movement, Dawson played a pivotal role in creating WMU's exercise science emphasis on the undergraduate and graduate levels. An active researcher, she helped the HPER department establish and maintain one of the finest laboratory facilities in the Midwest. From 1990 through 2001, she served on 46 of her department's thesis committees, chairing 31 of them.
Dawson's professional and academic affiliations included membership in the American College of Sports Medicine; the Biomechanics Academy; the Measurement and Evaluation Council; and the American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
Prior to joining the WMU faculty in 1979, she taught at Indiana University, Kentucky Wesleyan College and in the Battle Creek (Mich.) Public Schools.
At Dawson's request, there will be no visitation, and services for her will be private. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society or Hospice of Northwest Ohio.