Emeritus Faculty: Lynn Merritt

B.S., Oklahoma State University

M.Ed., Northern Arizona University

If you have additions or corrections to this page, please contact the College Archives at 928-776-2262 or archives@yc.edu.  We are especially looking for :

• Nomination materials of faculty for Emeritus status
• Classes taught by individual Emeritus faculty 
• Evidence of their superior teaching at YC
• Their involvement in committee work and special projects
• Photographs of them during their time at YC
• List of written works published, public artwork, music written and performed

Lynn Merritt was a founding faculty member in the Health, Physical Education & Recreation Department in 1969. She was hired as the only instructor for women’s physical education classes. Because the Prescott Campus buildings weren’t finished when classes started, Ms. Merritt taught women’s physical education in the gym of the Boys Club which was at the corner of Marina St. and Gurley St. downtown.

She was pleased to see over the course of her career the progression of physical education classes from learning a specific activity to being more focused on overall health.

Lynn’s career is marked by a number of firsts:

• First and only female Athletic Director 1983-1994
• Coached the 1960-1970 Women’s Basketball Team to the first state championship game
  • The team won the title and brought home the first trophy for the college
• Received the first sabbatical leave to further her studies
• Was the first instructor to get maternity leave
• Hired the first and only soccer coach, Mike Pantalione

Committee Work:

• Faculty Senate 
• Science and Health/Physical Education Division Chair for several years

Ms. Merritt retired in 1994. She was recognized for her many contributions to the college and given Emeritus Faculty status in April, 2011.