Jean Landis
ENS Emeritus faculty member Jean Landis (1918-2022) passed away on December 13, 2022, at 104 years old. Jean earned her A.B. degree in Physical Education in 1940 at San Diego Teachers College (Now called San Diego State University) and taught at Grossmont High School before joining the Civilian Pilot Training program (CPT). She volunteered for the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPS) during World War II. Jean flew military aircraft in non-combat missions. She served in the WASP program until its deactivation in 1944. The women of WASP were unrecognized until Congress passed a bill awarding WASP pilots with the Congressional Gold Medal with full veterans status for their contributions during WWII in 2010. That same year, her nephew Devin Scott produced a movie, “She Wore Silver Wings,” dedicated to Jean.
Jean returned to teaching after the war and earned her graduate degree at Wellesley College. She held several faculty positions at Park College, West Chester State Teachers College, and Ball State Teachers College before starting her faculty position at SDSU. She was an Assistant Professor of Physical Education from 1968-1979. Upon her retirement, Jean was awarded Emeritus Assistant Professor. In 2015, she received the SDSU Alumni Association “Monty” award for the College of Health & Human Services in recognition of her contributions to SDSU and the United States. Her memorial service will be held in early 2023. A plaque will be added to her memory at the Veteran’s Memorial at Mt. Soledad.
Additional information about Jean Landis can be found on her emeritus page.
