Jane B. Moore, a noted kinesiologist and an influential figure in the development of women’s athletics at Auburn University in Alabama, died at her home in Auburn on July 9. She was 85 years old.
Born in 1935 in Dozier, Alabama, Dr. Moore was a graduate of Judson College in Marion, Alabama, and earned a master’s degree at the University of Tennessee. She came to Auburn in 1969 after earning her doctorate in physical education from the University of Alabama. In 1975, Moore became the first woman to serve on the Auburn University Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics. She served on multiple athletics committees for men’s and women’s sports for more than 40 years.
Dr. Moore made significant professional contributions to Auburn University over a 28-year career on the faculty of the College of Education and the department of health and human performance, now the School of Kinesiology. A pioneering researcher in motor development, her academic work advanced the understanding of how children move and learn to move.
Dr. Moore was instrumental in the establishment of WINGS (Women Inspiring and Nurturing Greatness in Student-Athletes), which promotes and supports women’s athletics at Auburn. Auburn’s softball complex was named Jane B. Moore Field in her honor in 2002.