Denison University

Helen Barr served as the Director of Denison’s Department of Physical Education for Women for 25 years, spanning 1924-49.  A trailblazer in the expansion of women’s athletics at the college level, Barr not only created the physical education major at Denison but was instrumental in the construction of facilities for sports such as track and field, field hockey, the Women’s Athletic Association (WAA) Cabin and Lamson Lodge.

Barr worked tirelessly to advance women’s athletics to equality with the men’s athletic programs at Denison.  As a faculty member, she greatly expanded curriculum offerings to females on campus.  Barr was a member of the White House Conference on Physical Fitness.  In 1981, Denison honored her as one of the college’s Sesquicentennial Greats.