Texas Woman's University Athletics

Ruth E. Tandy, Ph.D. - better known as "Betsy" or "Dr. T." - was an inspiration to all who knew her.  She was born on December 18, 1927, in Philadelphia, Penn., and grew up in Kentucky. 

After earning her bachelor’s degree from Kentucky in 1949 and her master’s degree from Indiana in 1950, Betsy began her career at Bridgewater College in Virginia where she led the tennis, field hockey and basketball teams.  She earned her doctorate from Ohio State University in 1966.  She stayed in Columbus, Ohio, to teach physical education before arriving in Texas in 1968.

Dr. Tandy served TWU in many capacities and was a longtime supporter of Pioneer Athletics.  From 1968-71, she coached the TWU tennis and bowling teams.  Dr. Tandy was also the supervisor for student teachers in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department until 1980.  She continued at TWU as the chair of Health Education until 1984.  Dr. Tandy then started teaching in the health department until her retirement in 1995.  In her time at TWU, she served on numerous University committees.

Dr. Tandy was also active in officiating.  In addition to calling the games, she was an assignor and a coordinator.  She coordinated officials for all sports at TWU in the ‘70s and for the state tournament in 1972.  She was also on the national rules committee for basketball.  During her tenure, more physical play was allowed in the game. 

“I officiated for many years,” Dr. Tandy said.  “After playing half-court with just one bounce, the game moved to no contact. Eventually physical contact was allowed.”

She authored many professional articles and co-authored one book.  She received numerous honors from students as Outstanding Advisor/Mentor, both locally and regionally.  Dr. Tandy was regarded as a teacher who set high standards and helped students achieve them.  Additionally, her sports contributions as an athlete, sports official and coach garnered her induction into the Bridgewater College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995 and the TWU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2006. 

The TWU Athletics Hall of Fame was especially dear to Dr. Tandy.  In the fall of 1992, she co-founded the hall with the establishment of the Hall of Fame Endowed Fund that underwrites and supports the program. She also served on the Hall of Fame Committee.

After an 11-year battle with Parkinson’s disease, Dr. Tandy died on October 25, 2009, at the age of 81.

The Ruth E. (Betsy) Tandy Scholarship in Intercollegiate Athletics was established to support scholarships for TWU student-athletes.