[1] Ulrich was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1924, and attended Forest Park High School.
She then returned to Woman's College and began teaching in the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation.
In 1979, Ulrich took a professorship at the University of Oregon, going on to serve as Dean of the College of Human Development and Performance until her retirement in 1990.
She also served a term as President of the National Association for Physical Education of College Women.
Ulrich established an endowment to provide recognition for professional service activities by faculty members of the University of North Carolina Department of Exercise and Sports Science.