More Firsts for Women

The women of the State Agricultural College, and then M.A.C., forged their way, creating new paths for the women that followed. In 1879, Eva D. Coryell from Williamston, Michigan was the first woman to graduate. Eva D. Coryell went on to be a school teacher until her marriage in 1881.

Mary Jane Cliff Merrill was the second to graduate from the college. She then became the first woman to earn a graduate degree, obtaining an M.S. 1886. She was also the first woman to be a staff member at the college, working as a librarian from 1883-1888.

The turn of the 20th century brought more important firsts. In 1907 Myrtle Craig Mowbray was the first Black woman to graduate from the college, receiving her diploma from President Theodore Roosevelt. She went on to teach at universities, colleges, and high schools in the Kansas City area.

Ethel V. Lyon was the first woman permitted to enroll in Engineering. In 1933 she earned her degree in Engineering and was listed as working as a lighting advisor in the electrical industry in the 1940 census.

In 1930, Julia Loomis Matthews became the first woman at M.A.C. to earn a Ph.D. She was only the second student to earn a Ph.D. in chemistry at the college and later worked as an industrial hygiene engineer.

Photo of Mary Mary Jane Cliff Merrill Carpenter (1849-1921).: Mary Jane Cliff Merrill Carpenter earned many distinctions as a woman in the early years of MSU. Mary J. Cliff Merrill earned her Bachelor degree in 1881. She was the second woman to do so. In 1886, she became the first woman to earn an M.S. She was also the first female staff member on campus. From 1883-1888, she was employed as a librarian at M.A.C.; From University Archives (A001798_14)

formal portrait of a woman. Under the photo it reads Mrs. Mary J.C. Merrill. Librarian m. Prof L.G. Carpenter d. 1921

1930 Commencement Program featuring Julia Loomis Matthews.: Julia Loomis Matthews earned her Bachelors and Masters degrees from Pennsylvania College for Women in Pittsburgh. In 1930 She was the first woman to earn a Ph.D. at M.A.C. becoming only the second student to do so in chemistry at the College.; From University Archives (Archives Serial 201)

Yearbook photo of Ethel V. Lyon (1911-1989).: Born in Charlotte, Michigan Ethel V. Lyon was was the first woman granted permission to enroll in engineering in 1932. She graduated in 1933. On the 1940 census she was employed as a lighting adviser in the electrical industry, living on her own in Grand Rapids.; MSU Libraries LD3245.M47 W6 1933

Yearbook description for Ethel V Lyon. It reads: Ethel V. Lyon Eng. Charlotte Pi Kappa Delta; Women's Varsity Debating; W.A.A.; S.W.L.

Eva Coryell McBain (1856-1927) in Reunion Photo circa 1890.: In 1879 Eva D. Coryell was the first woman to graduate from the college. She was from Williamston, Michigan and worked as a school teacher until she married in 1881. In this photo, she is in the front row on the far right.; From University Archives (A009271)

group of women sitting next to the rock woman on far right circled in red

Yearbook photo of Myrtle Craig (1883- 1974), the first Black woman to graduate from MSU.: She lived with Chace Newman, professor of design, and his family during her time at college. She received her diploma from U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt who gave the commencement address that year. Myrtle Craig took advanced coursework in summer of 1912. After leaving M.A.C., Myrtle Craig taught at several colleges, high schools, and universities in the Kansas City area. She retired from Lincoln University as a faculty member in domestic sciences.; MSU Libraries LD3245.M47 W6

red cover with text that says The Jubilee Wolverine with gold fireworks drawn over the text

black and white yearbook photos. In center is a black woman with a white dress on.