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Helen Gouldner, the first woman dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, passed away in her home in Wilmington, Del. July 24.
Gouldner served as dean from 1974 to 1990.
Gouldner was also professor emeritus of sociology and criminal justice. She was a strong supporter of the arts and music, introducing such programs as the Professional Theatre Training Program and helped to develop the department of linguistics.
Margaret Andersen, Edward F. and Elizabeth Goodman Rosenberg, professor of sociology, said Gouldner had a strong personality that allowed her to flourish in a position previously held only by men.
"She was very smart and quite funny," Andersen said. "She was the first woman in a period of real institutional leadership. She had a lot of style. She was gracious as well."
Professor Emeritus Raymond Callahan, who worked closely with Gouldner, said she is going to be missed terribly.
"I knew Helen well, respected her greatly and am deeply saddened by her death," Callahan said.
Provost Dan Rich said Gouldner's personality and skills made a huge impact on the university.
"Widely recognized for her intellectual curiosity and indomitable spirit, she will be remembered fondly by the many faculty and students she mentored," Rich said. "The University of Delaware today bears the positive imprint of her many contributions as the leader of our largest college."
He said the university would be a different place today without Gouldner's leadership and direction.
"A gifted academic administrator and distinguished educator, she guided the college through a period of transformation that greatly strengthened the faculty, enhanced undergraduate and graduate programs and raised academic standards," Rich said. "Dean Gouldner helped to shape the modern University of Delaware."
Andersen said Gouldner was a vital part of the faculty of the university during a transitional time.
"She was a strong leader who led the college through a period of tremendous growth and development toward excellence," she said.
Callahan said Gouldner's tactful way of dealing with people and situations allowed her to successfully head the College of Arts and Sciences.
"Helen was highly intelligent and also - which is rarer - very perceptive about academic personalities and politics," he said. "She had to manage the largest college in the university, without some of the tools and powers that today make the life of deans somewhat easier. She deserves to be remembered as someone who laid solid foundations upon which her successors have built, as well as a clever, witty person in whose company one was glad to be."
Gouldner is survived by a son, Andrew Ward Gouldner; a sister, Barbara Campbell; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.
Since Gouldner, there have only been two female deans of the College of Arts and Sciences. Mary Richards was dean from 1991 to 1997, and Margaret Andersen was an interim dean.
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