½ûÂþÌìÌÃ

Skip to Main Content
Skidmore College
Skidmore Retirees

Beverly Becker

Beverly Becker, professor emerita of physical education and dance, died on April 20, 2020, in Wyckoff, New Jersey. She was 89.

Bev joined the Skidmore College faculty in 1959 and served as chair of the Department of Physical Education and Dance from 1968 to 1980 and chair of the Education Department from 1987 until her retirement in 1993. From 1996 to 1998, she was Skidmore's interim affirmative action officer.

She was a national figure in the field of physical education in higher education and was president of the National Association for Physical Education in Higher Education (later the National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education) from 1986 to 1988. Colleagues described her unwavering devotion to students, co-workers and the College.

"Bev was one of the most beloved and respected members of the faculty, a true champion of the faculty and a faculty leader," said Jeff Segrave, professor of health and human physiological sciences. "She was also a champion of Title IX and a visionary who embraced the value of physical education as an avenue to health and well-being."

A native of New Jersey, Beverly was born on July 28, 1930. She earned her undergraduate degree from Wellesley College, a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro and a doctorate from the University of Oregon-Eugene.

Before coming to Skidmore, Beverly taught at Mount Holyoke College and the University of Nebraska. Among the many honors she received throughout her career was a one-year visiting professorship at the U.S. Military Academy, where she received the Department of Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal. She also organized the first all-women ski patrol registered with the National Ski Patrol System.

In retirement, Beverly continued to volunteer at Skidmore, with Saratoga Reads and with other community organizations.

"Marie and I came to know her well in all these different ways. She was unfailingly kind, compassionate and upbeat," said Skidmore College President Philip A. Glotzbach. "Bev always remained a passionate advocate for the College, and her lifelong record of service speaks for itself."

She is survived by her niece and nephews and their spouses: Barbara Becker and David Bolotsky, George Becker III and Alyssa Gelmann Becker, and David and Suzanne Petkus Becker. Survivors also include six grandnieces and grandnephews.