RPI Becomes Coeducational

Introduction

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, initially called The Rensselaer School, is a Polytechnic Institute in Troy NY, established by Stephen Van Rensselaer in 1824. The University only accepted male students until 1942.

Trials

In 1873, Elizabeth R. Buswell became the first woman to formally apply to be a student at RPI. However, via newspaper clipping, RPI's Professor Drowne urged Buswell not to continue her application as he believed "her position as the only lady student would not be pleasant." Buswell consequentially decided not to pursue her application. Later in 1918, once again the attempt for RPI to become coeducational was made. Alfred Renshaw, brother in-law to RPI President Ricketts, and RPI trustee created a motion to allow women to enroll at RPI, largely due to the loss of male students to WW1. However, Renshaw's motion lost and was followed by a counter motion by trustee Henry W. Hodge. Hodge's motion stated "resolved, that at the present time it is not advisable to allow the admission of women students," which was unanimously voted for by everyone but Renshaw.

First Woman Professor

In 1918, the same year the motion for women to join RPI was rejected, the first female professor was appointed. Hazel Brennan was hired as an assistant Chemistry professor. The following year, Marie De Pierpont was hired as French professor, and became the first woman to be a head professor at RPI.

Sources

https://archives.rpi.edu/institute-history https://archives.rpi.edu/blog/womens-history-month-those-who-led-the-way https://archives.rpi.edu/blog/2014/03/26/mary-ellen-rathbun-kolb-oral-history