To: UNI Faculty and Staff Members - From: School of Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services Faculty and Staff - Date: April 3, 1997 - In Memoriam:
E. Jean Bontz Dr. E. Jean Bontz, 89, former Women's Physical Education department head, died March 3, 1997, in Edmond, Oklahoma. Dr. Bontz gave twenty-three years of service to UNI as Professor and Head between 1949 and 1972. Following in the footsteps of her predecessor, Dr. Monica Wild, Dr. Bontz maintained and further promoted the outstanding reputation of ISTC, SCI, and UNI in elementary physical education curriculum and preparation of women physical education teachers for both elementary and secondary levels. Under Dr. Bontz's leadership, the women's physical education program flourished in quality, and was highly respected as a teacher education program regionally as well as locally. Dr. Bontz's professional dedication and high standards of excellence were reflected in those programs.
During her tenure at UNI, Dr. Bontz was instrumental in assisting with development of curriculum across the University, including the general education program. Also, she provided leadership in development of initial standards for implementation of the women's athletic program, in 1968, as an outgrowth of the educational program. Jean Bontz was born in Nardin, Oklahoma, April 27, 1907. She earned a teaching certificate from Central State Teachers College, Edmond, Oklahoma, followed by B. A., M. A. and Ph. D. degrees from the University of Iowa. Her public school teaching experience included four years in Oklahoma, six years in Montana, four years in Missouri, and one year in Des Moines, Iowa. Following five years at the University of Iowa as an assistant professor and supervisor of student teachers at the University of Iowa lab school, Dr. Bontz ascended to department head at UNI (ISTC). During her professional tenure Dr. Bontz exerted leadership at both regional and national levels in numerous organizations including: AAHPERD (American Alliance for Health, Physical Education and Dance), NAPECW (National Association of Physical Education College Women), AAUW (American Association of University Women), and NEA (National Education Association).
Following her retirement in 1972, Jean moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she resided for several years before returning to her home state of Oklahoma. During those retirement years, Dr. Bontz enjoyed flower gardening and camping in the Colorado Rockies. She continually kept apprised of the activities at UNI and always had a welcome mat at the door for visitors. Dr. E. Jean Bontz is survived by two brothers, Joe Bontz and John Bontz, both of Blackwell, Oklahoma, and one sister, Dorris Ring of Red Rock, Oklahoma. Memorials may be sent to the Alzheimer's Foundation.