A portrait photograph of Ruth Evans. Ruth Evans (November 10, 1896 – October 27, 1984) was born in Jersey City, New Jersey and moved to Springfield, Massachusetts, as a young girl. She attended Classical High School and from an early age showed an interest in physical education, health, dance, and music (she could play the piano, organ, accordion, and concertina). After working for Springfield’s playground, parks, and school departments, she enrolled at Columbia University’s Teacher College and earned her BA and MA (1934, 1937). While earning her Ph.D., Evans served as president of the American Association for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (AAHPER). In 1948, Springfield College appointed her as the first women’s director of physical education; she remained in this position until her death. Among her many projects at the college, Evans worked with Jacobs Pillow to create a dance education program. Across her life, she wrote three books, toured as a visiting lecturer, and won numerous accolades from prestigious organizations.
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