Transformation of Women’s Collegiate Education

This book examines the life of Virginia Gildersleeve, the dean of Barnard College from 1911 to 1947, who dedicated her life to expanding women’s collegiate opportunities to match those of men, and to allow women entry into professional and graduate programs. Gildersleeve was the first academic to use the media to define for the American public what higher education--and particularly what higher education for women--meant. The only woman to sign the United Nations charter, she made waves by implementing the first program to allow women into the Navy. This book explores how Gildersleeve’s life exemplifies the expanded and changing educational opportunities for women during the Progressive Era and early twentieth century, with the rise of feminists, progressive reformers, and educational philosophers. Although Gildersleeve is nearly forgotten, her importance to women’s higher education, women’s inclusion in the US military, and world peace is captured in this blend of historical analysis and life history.

Patrick Dilley is Associate Professor of Higher Education and Qualitative Research, and Associate Professor of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, USA.