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Mary "Polly" Wylie Ford graduated from Winthrop College in 1948 with a bachelor of
science degree in physical education. She received her master's degree in Education
from the University of Virginia in 1952 and then went on to receiver her PhD from
the University of Iowa in 1957.
During her student years at Winthrop she served as President of Westminster Fellowship,
was listed in the Who's Who Among College Students, received the WAA Best All Around
award, and graduated with Cum Laude honors.
Polly returned to her alma mater in 1961 as a faculty member and became department
chair in 1962. During her 30 years in that role she provided leadership that kept
the department on the cutting edge in physical education. Winthrop's entry into competitive
athletics in the 1960's was made possible through her support as programs were housed
in the Department of Physical Education until the Athletic Department was created
in 1975.
Polly has been recognized throughout her career for her leadership in professional
organizations as well as at Winthrop. She served as president of the Southern District
Association of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and
Dance and was Southern District Representative to AAHPERD. She received an Honor Award
from South Carolina and Southern District AAHPERD organizations, and a Citation for
Outstanding Contributions from the Southern Association for Physical Education of
College Women. Upon her retirement, the Mary Wylie Ford Award for professional involvement
was created by colleagues and former students.