Dr. Bette E. Landman, President Emerita of Arcadia University in Glenside (Cheltenham Township) and the first female president in the school’s history, has passed away.

Dr. Landman’s 19-year tenure as president began in 1985. She led the institution through the transition from Beaver College to Arcadia University in 2001, and in 2003, Arcadia dedicated the Landman Library in recognition of her impact on the community.

Following Dr. Landman’s retirement, the university created the Bette Landman Award, which recognizes students for academic success, community service, and global learning. She also served as President of the Arcadia Foundation.

“Dr. Landman displayed an immense level of care for Arcadia University and its community members. She gave generously to Arcadia in several ways, lending her talents, expertise, and time for events and initiatives, and she was committed to philanthropically supporting our institution, evidenced by her 41 consecutive years of giving,” the university said in a statement.

It continues:

Through her extraordinary vision and unwavering dedication to access and inclusion, Dr. Landman touched the lives of countless students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of this community, as well as the higher education community at large. She will be greatly missed; her spirit, vision, light, and legacy will forever remain a central part of the University. 

Arcadia officials will share the details of a memorial event to celebrate Dr. Landman when details are confirmed with the Landman family. You can read more about her life and career in her obituary.

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Photo: Arcadia University