Jean Driscoll

Jean Driscoll is the Assistant Dean for Advancement in the College of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She was born in Milwaukee, WI with spina bifida (an open spine). It affected her ability to walk and included other neurological complications as well. She began using a wheelchair at the age of 15 and started pursuing athletic opportunities with fervor. After being recruited to the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, she became one of the world’s most successful athletes.

During her career, Jean was the first eight-time winner of the Boston Marathon. She set 5 new course records, 5 world best times, and held Boston’s fastest time in the women’s wheelchair division for 21 years. In addition to her success in Boston, Jean also won two Olympic medals and 12 Paralympic medals. She was inducted into the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame in 2012. She has also received honorary degrees from the University of Rhode Island, Massachusetts School of Law, and Gettysburg College.