Ruth Schellberg papers

Ruth Mildred Schellberg, born in Omaha, Nebraska in 1912, was a teacher of physical education noted for her efforts to increase access to athletic opportunities for women. She completed a B.S. in Physical Education at the University of Nebraska in 1934, and went on to earn an M.A. and Ph.D. from New York University. After graduating she served as an Assistant Professor of Physical Education at Macalester College from 1938 to 1946, where she became the head of the Women’s Physical Education department. During her time at Macalester she led 16 student canoeing trips to the Boundary Waters from 1941 to 1946, which 81 students participated in, as well as other camping and skiing trips.

Schellberg left Macalester to take a position as an Assistant Professor at Minnesota State University, Mankato (1946-48), and in 1949 returned to her home state to become an Associate Professor at the University of Nebraska. In 1952, she returned to Minnesota State Mankato, where she was a Professor of Physical Education until 1974. While working at Minnesota State Mankato, Schellberg served as chair of the Physical Education department and continued to lead student canoeing, camping, and skiing trips. She also founded the Women’s Intercollegiate Athletic program at Mankato. In 1981, she was inducted into Minnesota State Mankato’s Sports Hall of Fame. In 1991, Schellberg’s work at Minnesota State was honored with the naming of Schellberg Gymnasium.

Schellberg was also involved in numerous other organizations, including the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, and the International Association for Physical Education and Sport for Girls and Women. She passed in 2004 at age 92.