Abstract
Presidents of mid-nineteenth century coeducational colleges hired dormitory matrons as chaperones or disciplinarians. This arrangement was replaced by a new type of woman administrator-dean of women. The deans were highly trained, ambitious women not content with such a limited role. The careers and strategies of four women who were instrumental in transforming the position of dean of women into a profession are examined. This small cadre of women, working in midwestern institutions, developed an expansive vision for their position: Marion Talbot, University of Chicago, 1892 to 1925; Mary Bidwell Breed, Indiana University, 1901 to 1906; Ada Louise Comstock, University of Minnesota, 1906 to 1912; and Lois Kimball Mathews, University of Wisconsin, 1911 to 1918.
Recommended Citation
Nidiffer, Jana
(1995)
"From Matron to Maven: A New Role and New Professional Identity for Deans of Women, 1892 to 1916,"
Mid-Western Educational Researcher: Vol. 8:
Iss.
4, Article 5.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/mwer/vol8/iss4/5
