Jean Failing, Cornell professor of home economics and education and dean of the College of Human Ecology from 1974 to 1978, died Jan. 30 at Cayuga Medical Center. She was 94 years old.

During Failing's service as dean, she established the Family Life Development Center as a permanent program to address child abuse and neglect. In 1975 she launched the college's first campaign for public funds. The three-year campaign exceeded its $250,000 goal, and she was credited with a major role in its success.

During her 39 years of service to Cornell, Failing not only served as a faculty member, she also held the positions of counselor, chair of the counseling service, coordinator of resident instruction and associate dean for undergraduate education. She retired from Cornell in 1978.

"Dean Failing's accomplishments and contributions to the College of Human Ecology and Cornell University are a powerful reminder of our rich history and proud traditions," said Alan Mathios, interim dean of the College of Human Ecology.

Failing was born in 1913 and grew up in Portland, Ore. She received her B.A. and an M.A. from the University of Oregon. She taught at Centralia High School in Washington and for two years taught history and sociology at Centralia Junior College. She received her Ph.D. in educational guidance and administration from Ohio State University in 1939 and joined the Cornell staff the same year. Most recently, she lived in Ithaca.