It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of President Emerita, Dr. Bette E. Landman ’04H, WWL’22. 

During her 19-year tenure as president that began in 1985, Dr. Landman, the first female president in Arcadia’s history, reinvigorated the institution, doubling enrollment and leading transformative projects such as the construction of seven new buildings and the expansion of our nationally recognized study abroad programs. Among her many extraordinary accomplishments, Dr. Landman led the institution through the transition from Beaver College to Arcadia University in 2001, ensuring that the long-established legacy and values of Beaver College remained central to Arcadia’s mission.   

In 2003, Arcadia dedicated the Landman Library in recognition of Dr. Landman’s remarkable impact on the community. Following Dr. Landman’s retirement, the University created the Bette Landman Award, which recognizes students for academic success, community service, and global learning. 

Dr. Landman displayed an immense level of care for Arcadia University and its community members. She gave generously to Arcadia in several ways, lending her talents, expertise, and time for events and initiatives, and she was committed to philanthropically supporting our institution, evidenced by her 41 consecutive years of giving. Dr. Landman also served as President of the Arcadia Foundation, a foundation of charitable giving that, though unrelated, supported Arcadia University. 

Through her extraordinary vision and unwavering dedication to access and inclusion, Dr. Landman touched the lives of countless students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of this community, as well as the higher education community at large. She will be greatly missed; her spirit, vision, light, and legacy will forever remain a central part of the University. 

We plan on sharing more information, including a memorial event to celebrate Dr. Landman, when details are confirmed after collaboration with the Landman family.