Throughout Women's History Month, we will celebrate the groundbreaking women in the past and present of Chicago State athletics. First, we look back at the groundbreaking Dorothy Richey.
When Dorothy Richey took hold of Chicago State Athletics in 1974, she became a one-of-a-kind Athletic Director.
Richey stood as the first woman ever to hold the title at a co-ed college or university.
"She was very determined and direct," said Bill Adams, who served as swimming coach during Richey's tenure. "She didn't yell or scream. She kept on point, in terms of how she wanted a quality program. She worked with me and the other people who were there to guide the program to ensure success."
In her first year as Director of Athletics, Richey helped engineer instant triumphs at Chicago State. Four programs finished in the top three of the NAIA, Fred Evans became the first black swimmer to become a national champion and the track and field squad earned finalist status at a U.S. vs. Russia international meet.
"She left the beginning of a path to excellence in athletics," Adams said.
For more of Richey's captivating story,
see this profile from a June 1975 edition of
Ebony Magazine.
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