150 years later, Boyd's legacy persists

In the 150 years since Margaret Boyd broke barriers as Ohio University’s first female graduate, women in higher education have made great strides, conducted groundbreaking research and become an integral part of universities across the nation.

Jordan Schmitt, BSJ ’22 | April 13, 2023

LEFT: Margaret Boyd, OHIO’s first female graduate, with her fellow Class of 1873 graduates. Image Courtesy of the Mahn Center for Archives & Special Collections. RIGHT: Margaret Boyd Scholars celebrate at the Teton Science Schools in spring 2019. Photo by Jennifer Shutt Bowie, BSJ ’94, MS ’99

In the 150 years since Margaret Boyd broke barriers as Ohio University’s first female graduate, women in higher education have made great strides, conducted groundbreaking research and become an integral part of universities across the nation. Women of Ohio University have historically dominated enrollment figures and made significant contributions to OHIO’s culture and success.

Boyd, native to Athens County, was the first female to be admitted to OHIO. Following her graduation with a B.A. in 1873, Boyd went on to earn an M.A. from OHIO in 1876. She taught high school in Ohio and Indiana and taught math at Wesleyan Female College in Cincinnati. In 1883, OHIO hired its own first female faculty member, Cynthia Weld, who taught English.

The pursuits of Bobcat women in the years to follow left a remarkable impact. In 1913, the University hired its first dean of women, Irma Voigt. Three years later, Martha Jane Hunley Blackburn became OHIO’s first Black female graduate.

Women enrolled at OHIO have repeatedly stood up for their beliefs, directly shaping the University. In 1972, students spoke out against the discriminatory curfews designated for women on campus, causing the practice to end.

Margaret Boyd

Cynthia Weld

Martha Jane Hunley Blackburn

Irma Voigt

The 1972 “Report on the status of women at Ohio University,” conducted by Beverly Jones, BSJ ’69, MBA ’75, led to increased Title IX funding for women’s athletics and the re-admittance of women to the marching band.

Alongside their monumental contributions, Bobcat women have also consistently surpassed their male counterparts in terms of enrollment since 1988-89.

The Margaret Boyd Scholars Program is another testament to Boyd’s legacy. Scholars are provided with opportunities for mentorship, academic advancement, community engagement and networking. Alumni can donate to give their support to the program.

Women are still shaping and changing the landscape of OHIO. In 2019, OHIO hired its first female athletic director, Julie Cromer. The student, faculty and administrative senates are currently led by women.

“Being the first does not come easy, but strength lies in our opportunity for positive exponential impact,” says Dayna Shoulders, BBA ’23, OHIO’s current student senate president. “The success of young OHIO women reminds our community to reflect on the historic importance of celebrating diversity in positions of power and the innovation it brings.”

Archival images Courtesy of the Mahn Center for Archives & Special Collections

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Magazine - Spring 2023

Margaret Boyd Scholars