Kathryn Sowle, a former Ohio University first lady known for her “graciousness and community outreach,” has died at the age of 84, according to an OU news release.
Sowle served as OU's first lady from 1969 to 1974, when her husband, Claude Sowle, served as the university’s 16th president.
“First Lady Kathryn Sowle was a scholar whose impressive career was only surpassed by her altruistic contributions,” OU President Roderick McDavis said in the release. “During her husband’s tenure as president of Ohio University, Kathryn Sowle put her own successful career on hold to support him and the university he served. She opened her heart to Ohio University and served as its ambassador during a tumultuous time in our nation’s history.”
Kathryn and Claude’s relationship dated back to their time at Northwestern University’s law school, according to a previous Post report. She graduated first in her class, while Claude followed as second in the class.
“We mourn the passing of First Lady Sowle while simultaneously celebrating the shining example she provided,” McDavis said in the release. “She and her husband were a terrific couple and Ohio University is better as a result of the time they spent on campus.”
Kathryn was a law professor even during her time in Athens, according to the OU news release. She taught law at both the Ohio State University and the University of Miami, and taught communication law courses in OU’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism.
During her time as first lady, Kathryn was also largely involved in women’s rights, and spoke about discrimination against women in education during a speech to the Faculty Wives Club in 1972, according to a previous Post report.
“Women’s lib does not mean that women have to go work, I think it means more of a freedom of choice,” she said of women being homemakers in a previous Post report.
The Sowle's impact on campus can be seen on OU's South Green. Sowle Hall, a residence hall, was named after Claude, according to a previous Post report.
Claude died in 1997. Kathryn is survived by a daughter, Leslie; a son, Stephen; her daughter-in-law, Susan; and her grandchildren Andrew and Zaiden.
