Posted 7 a.m. Sunday, March 1, 2026
Reflecting on the life and legacy of A.B. Culver, as UWL marks Women’s History Month
In a life that spanned nearly a century, AnnaBeth “A.B.” Culver devoted herself to health, hard work and helping others.
Raised on a farm that instilled a strong work ethic, anointed “Wisconsin’s Healthiest Girl” at age 15 (in a contest that later became the Miss America Pageant), and celebrated for her distinguished career as an instructor of health and physical education at UW-La Crosse, Culver approached her life’s work with dignity and unwavering determination.
Culver died Dec. 29, 2025, at age 98, leaving an indelible legacy at UWL and throughout the La Crosse community.
At UWL, her impact continues to be felt through the AnnaBeth Culver Endowment Scholarship Fund for Health, Physical Education and Athletic Training, which has provided students with financial support for over 30 years.
(Her late husband, Jerry Culver, was a longtime geography instructor on campus, and is memorialized through the Jerry B. Culver Scholarship in Geography & Earth Science, as well as the Jerry B. Culver Memorial Fund at Murphy Library.)
That’s not to mention the countless students, now alumni, who learned from Culver during her two-plus decades of teaching at UWL, and who have gone on to impactful careers of their own.
Culver’s teaching included courses on anatomy, physiology, the history of physical education and principles of sex education. A focal point of her studies was human sexuality among elderly and disabled populations; through workshops and consultations, she often shared her insights with teachers, social workers and care providers.
In 1977, Culver received the Award of Merit from the Wisconsin Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation.
In 1985, she received the Centennial Award from the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AHPERD).
And in 1994, she received the UWL College of Health, Physical Education & Recreation Excellence Award.
Culver was also deeply engaged in professional organizations and community groups.
She served as executive director of the Wisconsin AHPERD from 1987 to 1993, and was active in the American Association for Health Education and the National Association for Sport and Physical Education.
Locally, Culver was a founding member of both the La Crosse-based Options in Reproductive Care organization and the La Crosse Family Planning Center (now part of Planned Parenthood), in which she championed women’s health issues.
She also contributed to young musicians by providing funds to the La Crosse Symphony Rising Star program, and was active in the La Crosse Area Quilters group.
A native of Belmont, Wis., Culver attended nearby UW-Platteville for her bachelor’s degree — but she and Jerry soon made La Crosse their home. Culver earned her master’s degree at UWL in 1967, the same year she joined the faculty, and remained with UWL until her retirement in 1990.
But the couple’s roots in La Crosse didn’t stop them from exploring the world.
During their younger years, they embarked on family road trips during which Jerry would investigate important geographic sites to inform his lectures.
After Jerry died in 1998, Culver continued to visit new places, setting her sights overseas. Over the next two decades, she went on over 100 trips to over 30 countries — from Switzerland to South Africa — where she often visited churches and performing arts centers connected with famous composers and musicians.
Her grandchildren accompanied her on later trips, including visits to “Harry Potter” and “Lord of the Rings” filming locations in Europe and New Zealand.
Those who worked alongside Culver, and the students who continue to benefit from her generosity, can attest that her memory extends far beyond her family circle.
Today, more than 35 years after her retirement, Culver continues to hold an important place in UWL history: a strong leader, a passionate educator, and a dedicated advocate for the health and wellbeing of her community.