From Case Western Reserve University Athletics
Case Western Reserve University Head Volleyball Coach, Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator Karen Farrell has been appointed the Isabel Wetmore Lowman Chair for Health Education by the Board of Trustees on the recommendation of Vice President for Student Affairs Lou Stark.
"I am so pleased that Karen has been appointed the Isabel Wetmore Lowman Chair in Health Education," said Stark. "She has been an outstanding member of our department of Physical Education and Athletics and our University community. She is most deserving."
"Karen Farrell's recognition as the new Isabel Wetmore Lowman chair of Health Education is a reflection of her dedication and contribution to the overall student experience at CWRU," said Amy Backus, the James C. Wyant Director of Athletics and Chair of Physical Education. "Her engagement in the broader campus community as a faculty senator, Title IX coordinator and the NCAA Diversity and Inclusion designee in addition to her role as associate professor and coach is an important part of our student's well-being and education."
Isabel Wetmore Lowman was a pioneer in the nursing movement in Cleveland in the 1920's. Her philanthropic efforts helped Francis Payne Bolton establish the nursing school at Case Western Reserve. The Chair for Health Education position within the Department of Physical Education was established in her name by the Executive Committee of Case Western Reserve's Board of Trustees in 1958.
Farrell's three-year term as the Isabel Wetmore Lowman Chair began Oct. 16.
"I am honored to be named as the Isabel Wetmore Lowman Chair for Health Education and am humbled to be associated with such an impactful woman who advocated for and financially supported the nursing school and education in health and wellness," said Farrell.
Farrell has held numerous roles in the athletic department during her 19 years at Case Western Reserve, spanning two separate stints. She began her career with the Spartans in 1995 as the program's head volleyball coach, going 88-69 in the first four seasons. She also launched the softball program and served as the team's first head coach, leading the Spartans to three University Athletic Association (UAA) championships in four years.
Farrell left CWRU after the 1998 season for Clark University, where she served as head volleyball coach and director of media relations. She added assistant athletic director to her list of roles there, and transitioned to a full-time position as an administrator in 2005, before returning to CWRU in 2006.
In her second go-around with the Spartans, Farrell serves as head volleyball coach, associate athletic director, senior woman administrator, deputy Title IX coordinator, the Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Designee and an associate professor in the Department of Physical Education. She has compiled a 358-258 record with the volleyball team—leading the squad to two NCAA Tournament berths (2010 and 2015)—and was twice selected as head of the UAA Coaching Staff of the Year (1997 and 2010).
"I appreciate the recognition from Vice President of Student Affairs Lou Stark of the many opportunities I have had to represent our department and connect with so many passionate professionals across the University, all with a primary focus of providing the best education and overall collegiate experience to our incredible students," said Farrell.