Virginia Neal

Virginia Neal, professor emerita of health and physical education, died November 23, 2018, in Longview, Washington, at age 89.

Over the course of her career, Neal made significant contributions to the advancement of women in athletics. She was an innovative classroom teacher who held her students and herself to high standards. She spurned the limelight, and instead focused on helping students learn to be critical thinkers and problem solvers.

Neal held several administrative positions at Lewis & Clark College, including chair of the Department of Health and Physical Education and women’s athletic director. As a tennis coach, Neal earned the distinction of being named Tennis Coach of the Year for NAIA District 2 and was later inducted into the NAIA District 2 College Coaches Hall of Fame.

Neal leaves behind two sons, Dan Neal BS ’81 and Doug Neal BS ’85, as well as four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.