Washington State University Athletics

Helen G. Smith traveled great lengths to reach Washington State University in 1925 and once she arrived at the Pullman campus, she was there to stay.  The 1919 graduate of Oberlin College was director of physical education at the American College for Girls in Istanbul, Turkey before accepting a position at WSU.  Hired as an instructor of physical education for women, Smith impressively moved up the ladder of academic success at WSU in quick fashion.  While advancing to an assistant professor status, she also was named acting chair of the department in 1927 and from then until her retirement, Smith led WSU's physical education program for women.  In 1928 the university removed "acting" from her title, naming her the full-time chair.  Later she was promoted to associate professor (1933) and then to full professor (1943).  During her career at WSU Smith also found time to earn a master's degree from Columbia University in 1931 and a PhD from New York University in 1944.  Smith was a staunch believer in the efforts of the American Association of Health, Physical Education and Recreation (AAHPER) and was credited with being one of the organizers of the association in Washington.  She also held offices in numerous professional organizations on a regional and national level and was very active as a member of the Western Society for Physical Education of College Women.  One of Smith's favorite activities was camping.  During her tenure at WSU she taught camping courses and worked in close association with the Campfire and Girl Scout organizations of the area.  She also was an organizer of the Inland Empire Camping Association and the American Camping Association.  Shortly after her retirement in 1961, the women's physical education building at WSU was named in her honor - Smith Gym.