Bette E. Landman, the first woman president of Arcadia University in Pennsylvania, passed away on October 16. She was 88 years old.
A native of Piqua, Ohio, Dr. Landman earned her bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University, where she graduated summa cum laude and first in her class. She went on to earn both her master’s degree in physical anthropology and her Ph.D. in cultural anthropology from Ohio State University. While completing her graduate studies, she spent one year conducting field research in the West Indies.
Before joining the faculty at Beaver College (now Arcadia University) in 1971, Dr. Landman had teaching stints at Springfield College in Massachusetts and Temple University in Philadelphia. In 1976, she was named dean of Beaver College. She was soon promoted to vice president of academic affairs and served twice as acting president before beginning her official presidency in 1985.
Over the course of Dr. Landman’s 19-year tenure, Arcadia doubled its enrollment, significantly increased its endowment, constructed seven new campus buildings, and expanded its study abroad offerings. In 2001, Dr. Landman led the institution through its transition from Beaver College to Arcadia University. For her many contributions to the university, Arcadia renamed its library to Landman Library and established the Bette Landman Award, which honors students for academic success, community service, and global learning. After retiring, Dr. Landman continued to support Arcadia as president of the Arcadia Foundation.