A native of Minnesota, Betty Lorraine Fladeland graduated from Duluth State College in 1940 and earned a master's degree from the University of Minnesota. She earned her doctoral degree from the University of Michigan in 1952. Her teaching experience included Wells College in New York, Central Michigan University and Central Missouri State College. She joined the faculty at Southern Illinois Uuniversity Carbondale in 1962, where she was recognized as a Distinguished Service Professor.