Historic Firsts in Women's Education in the United States
Reader Comments
women,s colleges
Why didn't the article about the history of women's colleges even mention Mississippi University for Women which was the FIRST publicly funded college for women in the United States?
Randolph Macon Woman's College
As a graduate of Mary Baldwin College, I enjoyed your article on women's colleges, however, I miss the mention of the accomplished women from Randolph Macon Woman's College. Although the Board of Trustees abandon their trust and allowed this precious heritage to slip away, I hope that if you choose to do another article about women's colleges and education you will remember our sister college that for 150 years contributed so many fine women to not only our society but to many cultures around the world.
Jan Durrett, current Trustee of Stephens College
Stephens College in Columbia MO since 1833 has met the changing needs of women in each era. Famous women have issued forth from numerous study fields. Outstanding faculty have inspired creative, stable, confident women to lead lives of joy and productivity. A team spirit invades the students and all who are connected with the institution on the Broadway main street 3 blocks from U of Missouri. Ambassador Jean Kirkpatrick was won of many notable graduates. The school now offers graduate degrees, and an online curriculum taught by the admirable faculty. Check it out at www.stephens.edu
College of Notre Dame of Maryland
I graduated from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland, an all women's college as well as from The Catholic High School of Baltimore, an all girls high school. In 1985, I was selected one of the top ten astronaut candidates from nearly 11,000 applicants in NASA's Teacher in Space Program. Later, I served as Senior Director in the aerospace industry which is predominately filled with male scientists and engineers. The environment in a women's college is very special. One has more female role models who are successful professional people. A women's college offers not only accomplished female role models, but more opportunities for women to gain leadership experience. It has been found that in a co-ed college, the student leadership positions are more likely to be held by males. In a women's college, all such positions are held by females. This transfers after graduation into the confidence to serve as leaders in business and community. Another advantage of attending a women's college is the support, meaning, empathy and encouragement that comes from being part of a community of women. The students share successes and disappointments. They encourage each other. The faculty believes the students are valuable as women, and that Notre Dame women will make a significant contribution to the quality of life. Attending a woman's college influenced my independent, energetic lifestyle. From ocean sailboat racing to a trans-Atlantic crossing in a 31' sailboat to mountain climbing on every continent and usually being the only female on a lead rope team on a glacier traverse to being the only female teacher in a high school science department to being the only female in an industry satellite spacecraft division, I salute my teachers for giving me the confidence to be a successful, appreciated, trusted and a contributing member in areas that are somewhat exclusive to males. I was always accepted as one of the guys and it was seamless that I was a woman since I was a team player and respected by my colleagues.
Another Oberlin First
In 1841, Oberlin College was the first to grant a bachelor's degree to women who had studied in the same academic program alongside men. I believe there were four women who started and three who graduated, but don't quote me on that.
