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In 1870, Utah was one of the first states in the nation to grant women the right to vote. Following this progressive mindset, the U has made great landmarks in its 165 year history.
FEATURE STORY: U STUDENTS DESIGN PHONE APP TO DIAGNOSE ILLNESSES
In 1892, the U hired its first female faculty member, Maud Babcock, an acting instructor known as “The First Lady of Utah Theater.” She spent several years at the U and eventually developed the Department of Speech. She would eventually chair that department as well as the Department of Physical Education. In addition, Babcock helped the U become the first university in the country to have a sponsored stage play. She eventually become the Chaplin of the Utah State Senate — the first woman in the country to hold the position.
Babcock is only one of many influential women with U connections. Ellis Reynolds Shipp was one of the first female doctors in Utah in 1878 and would go on to develop the School of Nursing and Obstetric. Records from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints note that Shipp often held her newborn baby in her arms as she taught classes to nursing students.
Miranda Leruth, a freshman in nursing, said she was surprised to learn about the women who shaped the university’s history.
“Hearing stories about other women at the U who have done amazing things is empowering,” Leruth said. “At a time when women were held to societal expectations, these women broke through and took a different path.”
Chelsea Taylor, a senior in history, said that living in a conservative state makes it easy to overlook the progressive moves Utah has made.
“I think a lot of people have a vision of Utah as being this stuffy place, where women are repressed,” Taylor said. “Women still have a long way to go, but looking at the strides they have been able to make from as far back at the 1800s, it is clear to see that Utah is more open to strong women than is commonly believed.”
Influential and powerful women affiliated with the U continue to make history.
Deedee Corradini (D-Salt Lake City), the first and only female Salt Lake City mayor from 1992 to 2000, graduated from the U’s Master of Psychology program. In 1998 she received the Olympic flag in Nagano, Japan as a symbol of Utah being selected to host the 2002 Olympic winter games. Corradini passed away last week from lung cancer.
Olene Walker (R-Utah) was the first and only female governor of Utah and the only one to be sworn into office by a female justice of a state supreme court in the U.S. Walker received her doctorate degree from the U.
Leilani Mitchell is a former member of the U’s Women Basketball team. In February of this year, Mitchell signed with the Phoenix Mercury.
Holly Rowe, an ESPN college football sideline reporter, graduated from the U with a degree in broadcast journalism. While at the U, Rowe worked as a sports reporter for the Daily Utah Chronicle.
The most recent accomplishment of a U alumna was by Colette Mullenhoff, winner of a technical Oscar. Mullenhoff earned her master’s in computer science and according to Variety, she was the only female to win an Academy Award for technical computer imaging this year.
Julie Henry, a senior in urban ecology, said she believes the U is a strong promoter of female students on campus and in the community and has created programs to aid women.
“There are so many avenues for female students at the U,” Henry said. “Whether it’s the women’s resource center or special workshops offered through career services, the U does a great job of advocating and placing female students on a solid foundation.”
The Office of Equity and Diversity will be hosting events from March 6-12 to celebrate women at the U and in the community.
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