University of Delaware Athletics
Hall of Fame
Dr. Barbara Kelly
- Induction:
- 2002
- Class:
- 1972
DR. BARBARA J. KELLY
Chair, Department of Women's Physical Education, 1968
Associate Dean, College of Physical Education, Athletics, and Recreation, 1982
Program Director/Chair & Associate Dean, College of PEAR, 1987
Acting Dean, College of PEAR, 1989
Dr. Barbara J. Kelly was a driving force in the formation and development of women’s athletics at the University of Delaware and continued to be a strong supporter of women’s athletics on the regional and national level.
A native of Dover, Del., she earned her bachelor’s degree from Bridgewater (Va.) College in 1955, her master’s degree from the University of Maryland in 1961, and her doctorate from Delaware in 1972.
She seized the opportunity at Delaware and joined others to serve a pivotal role in developing plans for what has become a successful program for women student-athletes.
She served as USA Representative for the International Association of Physical Education and Sports for Girls and Women for eight years, received the Pioneer Award from the Delaware Women’s Alliance for Sports and Fitness, received the University of Delaware’s E.A. Trabant Award for Equity, and received the Pathfinder Award from the National Association of Girl’s and Women’s Sports.
She served the University as Chair of the Department of Women's Physical Education; Associate Dean in the College of Physical Education, Athletics, and Recreation; Program Director, Chair & Associate Dean of the College of PEAR; and Acting Dean of the College of PEAR.
Chair, Department of Women's Physical Education, 1968
Associate Dean, College of Physical Education, Athletics, and Recreation, 1982
Program Director/Chair & Associate Dean, College of PEAR, 1987
Acting Dean, College of PEAR, 1989
Dr. Barbara J. Kelly was a driving force in the formation and development of women’s athletics at the University of Delaware and continued to be a strong supporter of women’s athletics on the regional and national level.
A native of Dover, Del., she earned her bachelor’s degree from Bridgewater (Va.) College in 1955, her master’s degree from the University of Maryland in 1961, and her doctorate from Delaware in 1972.
She seized the opportunity at Delaware and joined others to serve a pivotal role in developing plans for what has become a successful program for women student-athletes.
She served as USA Representative for the International Association of Physical Education and Sports for Girls and Women for eight years, received the Pioneer Award from the Delaware Women’s Alliance for Sports and Fitness, received the University of Delaware’s E.A. Trabant Award for Equity, and received the Pathfinder Award from the National Association of Girl’s and Women’s Sports.
She served the University as Chair of the Department of Women's Physical Education; Associate Dean in the College of Physical Education, Athletics, and Recreation; Program Director, Chair & Associate Dean of the College of PEAR; and Acting Dean of the College of PEAR.
Delaware Football National Signing Day Press Conference - 12/3/25
Thursday, December 04
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Saturday, November 29
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Thursday, November 27
Athletes Thread x Delaware Athletics
Friday, November 21
