Each year, Winthrop recognizes an alumna for selfless dedication of time, energy,
and talent in service to others. The Mary Mildred Sullivan Award captures this high
honor.
Mary (Polly) Wylie Ford '48 spent much of her childhood on the Winthrop University
campus and as an administrator, helped its programs evolve into the thriving institution
it is today. Thus it is with great pleasure that Winthrop bestows on Ford its Mary
Mildred Sullivan Award for 2017.
Ford graduated from the Winthrop Training School in 1944 after attending kindergarten
through 12th grade. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education
at Winthrop, received a master's degree in education from the University of Virginia
and a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa.
Returning to Winthrop to teach in 1960, Ford became chair of the physical education
department two years later. During her tenure until her retirement in 1992, the department
successfully completed several rigorous accreditation processes and added a master's
degree program. The department also oversaw its students' entrance and participation
into competitive athletics in the 1960s until the Athletics Department was created
in 1975.
Honored by the physical education department in 2000 in its inaugural Distinguished
Alumna class, Ford was elected to the Winthrop's Board of Trustees as the Alumni Association
representative from 2002-06.
In her last year on the Board of Trustees, two funds were set up to honor this visionary.
The Ford Physical education Fund presented by the Department of Physical Education
allows for membership to the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation,
and Dance (AAHPERD) for a senior Physical Education major who demonstrates promise.
Also in 2006, Polly Ford established the Jack B. and Polly Wylie Ford Endowed Physical
Education Fund to promote collaborative research between faculty and students. It
assists faculty and students with funding to attend conferences, with presentation
opportunities given priority and assists in promoting professionalism and recognition
of the department.
Although she never taught in the West Center, Ford has a conference room named for
her. The Polly Wylie Ford Conference Room is located on the second floor of the Lois
Rhame West Center and was dedicated in 2008.
Throughout her career, Ford has been recognized for her leadership in professional
organizations. She served as president of the Southern District Association of the
AAHPERD and as Southern District Representative to the Board of Governors of the national
association. She received an Honor Award from its South Carolina and Southern District
organizations, and a Citation for Outstanding Contributions from the Southern Association
for Physical Education of College Women.
Over the past two decades, Ford has served on various civic, church, school health
and athletics boards, advisory groups and committees.
