Mary Busey, a Board of Trustees member from 1904 to 1930, used her local prominence to advance opportunities for female students. She played a key role in establishing on-campus housing for women, and Busey Hall is named in her honor.

Laura B. Evans became a member of the Board of Trustees in 1903, one of the very first women to join the Board after Lucy Flower. Laura remained on the Board until her death in 1932. Evans Hall is named in her honor.

Isabel Bevier joined the Domestic Science department in 1900 and revolutionized the Home Economics Program, bringing distinction to the University of Illinois and advancing higher education for women. Bevier Hall is named in her honor.  

Alice Cheever Bryan, a member of the first female graduating class in 1874 with a degree in Humanities, helped organize the Alethenai Literary Society and served as one of its first officers. Her student notebooks are in the University Archives.

Amelia Darling Alpiner Stern, a 1896 English and Modern Languages graduate, is believed to be the first female Jewish graduate of the University of Illinois. She co-founded Pi Beta Phi sorority and later organized the University's Mothers Association, becoming its first president in 1923.

Anita M. Kellogg joined as a Physical Education staff member in 1893, serving as Director of Physical Culture for Women and an elocution instructor. As one of the first female staff at the University, she taught all courses in the Department of Oratory until 1895.

Jennette E.C. Lincoln was hired in 1898 as Director of Physical Training for Women and held the role until 1909. In 1913, she wrote *The Festival Book*, describing dances and games for schools. Her efforts established the May Pole dance as a cherished tradition at the University of Illinois.

Katharine Lucinda Sharp earned her library science degree in 1892 under Melvil Dewey, creator of the Dewey Decimal System. Dewey recommended her as founding director for the first Midwest library science program in Chicago, which moved to Urbana in 1897 and became the Illinois State Library School.

Katherine Merrill, the first female professor at the University of Illinois, was hired as Assistant Professor of Literature in 1892. Known as the “preceptress” to students, this unofficial role preceded the creation of the official “Dean of Women” position at the University.

Martha Jakson Kyle earned a BA in 1897 and an MA in 1899, both in English/Rhetoric. She taught English and Rhetoric and was Acting Dean of Undergraduates in 1905-06, sitting on the Council of Administration when few women had such roles.  Women featured in our weekly series are part of the 150 for 150 website Celebrating the Accomplishments of Women at the University of Illinois at...