Peter Mazula (1920-1994) Dr. Peter Mazula, Professor, Department of Teaching, Malcolm Price Laboratory School, passed away on Saturday, August 6, in Lakeville, Minnesota. Memorial services were held at Nazareth Lutheran Church on Monday, August 8. Pete Mazula joined Iowa State Teachers College as an instructor in August of 1949 from the position of Dean and Athletic Director at the School of the Ozarks. Peter's offer was made to him by President Malcolm Price on the recommendation of Dr. Dwight K. Curtis, Head, Department of Teaching, and Dr. M. J. Nelson, Dean of the Faculty. Coincidentally, Pete Mazula's instructional affiliation was with the Campus School later known as the Malcolm Price Laboratory School where he remained until his retirement from instruction in 1990. He retired from the position of Head University Tennis Team Coach in 1993.
Dr. Mazula's years of service and dedication to ISTC, SCI, and UNI were in Safety and Driver Education. Dr. Mazula's home department was the Department of Teaching, but he was regularly involved in the instruction and services of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and University Athletics. His record is filled with successes and accomplishments in both his professional education field and competitive athletics. He served as secretary, vice president, and president of the Iowa Safety Education Association and was a member and president of the elementary division of the National Safety Council.
Pete Mazula was the second winningest tennis coach in NCAA history compiling 630 victories. Dr. Mazula was often recognized as Coach of the Year in the conferences in which UNI participated. He expected the best from his athletes and his teams' records leave no doubt. When not on the tennis court. Pete was in other athletic arenas refereeing or umpiring volleyball, basketball, and baseball. The "Pete" way communicated very effectively to overzealous or competitive sideline parents or spectators that sports, even though competitive, should be enjoyed and valued. Dr. Mazula completed his M.A. and Ed.D. at Teacher's College, Columbia University, in 1949 and 1955, respectively and has worked his way through the ranks earning the Professorial title in 1973. Dr. Mazula is survived by his wife Jean and five children: Peter, Kandi, Guy, Kevin, and Derek. Memorials can be made to Pete Mazula Memorial Fund for Tennis in care of the UNI Foundation.