Lamoni, IA – Graceland University mourns the passing of Professor Emerita Dr. Phyllis O’Daniels, who died Sept. 1, 2026. An alumna, longtime faculty member and university leader, O’Daniels dedicated nearly 40 years to serving Graceland and its students.
A 1965 graduate of Graceland College, O’Daniels returned to her alma mater after completing graduate studies at Indiana University. During her decades on the faculty, she taught in Health and Movement Science, served six years as division head and led student groups to Honduras for 14 years as part of Graceland’s former Winter Term. Her service also extended to the Athletics Department, where she temporarily assumed leadership responsibilities while maintaining a full teaching load.
Athletics was an important part of O’Daniels’ service to Graceland. Beginning in 1988, she served as Graceland’s Faculty Athletics Representative to the NAIA, supporting the academic experience and eligibility of student-athletes and representing the university within collegiate athletics. She also held leadership roles within the Heart of America Athletic Conference, Region V and the NAIA.
“Phyllis had an extraordinary commitment to Graceland and to our students. She cared deeply about teaching and helping students succeed, and she brought that same commitment to her work with Graceland Athletics. Having had the opportunity to work alongside her for years, I saw firsthand how much she cared about this university and the people who make it special. When I started at Graceland in 2017, Phyllis would stop by my office just to say hello and see how I was settling into teaching. Those check-ins meant a lot to me as someone new. Her influence continues in Health and Movement Science, in Athletics and in the many students and colleagues whose lives she touched.”
— James Geiselman, DC, Chair, Division of Science, Math, and Technology
O’Daniels received the Charles Morris Award as the NAIA Administrator of the Year and was inducted into the Graceland University Athletic Hall of Fame. Graceland named her Professor Emerita following the conclusion of her full-time faculty career in 2010, and in 2023 she was among members of the Class of 1965 honored with the Graceland Award of Recognition for their service to the university and future generations of students.
O’Daniels’ decades of service as an educator, mentor and leader left a lasting impact on Graceland and the generations of students she served.
Information about arrangements and opportunities to remember and celebrate Dr. O’Daniels will be shared when available.
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