NORTHFIELD, Minn. – Carleton College lost a key member in the development of women's athletics with the passing of Mylla Urban, 78, who died on March 29, 2020, after a long illness.
 
Urban spent 30 years in a wide range of roles at the College. She came to Carleton in 1969 as Instructor of Physical Education for Women and she coached field hockey, swimming, and softball. Her gifts for connecting with people and managing programs became quickly known.
 
Urban was named Assistant Professor of Physical Education for Women in 1977, along with coordinating Summer Programs in 1977-78. That same year, she was also president of the Minnesota Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women and served on its executive board.
 
She later received status as Full Professor and eventually served as Associate Dean of the College from 1979-88 as she oversaw academic advising, supervising the offices of the Registrar and Off-Campus Studies, acting as liaison with the men's and women's athletic programs, and directing the Career Center from 1981-88.
 
In February 1988, Urban was named chair of Carleton's newly created Department of Physical Education, Athletics, and Recreation. She was appointed Athletics Director with the challenge of merging the men's and women's programs; finding equity between physical education and the varsity, recreational, and intramural programs; and expanding the outgrown athletics facilities. She resigned that position in 1992 in order to return to teaching and coaching. She was head coach of the Carleton softball program during the 1993-97 seasons and owns the third-highest win total in team history. Urban retired in 1999 as Professor Emerita of physical education, athletics, and recreation (PEAR).
 
Urban was inducted into the Minnesota State University-Mankato Hall of Fame in 1990. She played field hockey, basketball and volleyball at MSU and served as a volleyball official. Prior to coming to Carleton, she taught high school athletics for six years at St. Louis Park and Owatonna High Schools.
 
Urban is remembered as very warm and outgoing. She loved teaching and coaching, and cared deeply about students. She knew how to draw people out and was an excellent listener and adviser, to both students and colleagues.
 
Services are pending. Remembrances may be shared on Carleton's Farewells site at: www.carleton.edu/farewells
 
THEY SAID IT:
"I am forever grateful to Mylla for leading the merger of the PEAR Department. A difficult task at best, bringing the two departments together after years of physical and philosophical differences. She was able to weather the difficult times and help us move forward. She was one of the strongest and kindest educators I had the privilege to work with."
-- Leon Lunder, Carleton athletic director from 1992-2010
 
"I succeeded Mylla as the softball coach in 1998. Mylla became my mentor and friend immediately. I would meet with her daily that first season with my list of questions, some logistical, some philosophical and some just for advice as a first time head coach. She was always so kind and giving of her time, experience and wisdom! I so enjoyed our conversation before and after her retirement for so many years. I was blessed to get to call her a friend and colleague."
-- Amy Erickson, Carleton's softball coach (1998-present)