PULLMAN, Wash. – Former Women's Athletic Director, Joanne Washburn, who spent 39 years as an administrator and instructor at Washington State University, passed away Tuesday in Pullman. Washburn was 83.
"Jo Washburn should be remembered as a giant in college athletics history," said WSU Director of Athletics Pat Chun. "She fought tirelessly for gender equity and ultimately impacted change that continues to benefit generations of student-athletes. Jo's legacy and impact will be forever felt at Washington State University and throughout college athletics. We send our deepest condolences to her family and friends."
Washburn served as the women's athletic director at Washington State from 1965-82, presiding over unparalleled growth of the women's athletics program.