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Women Promoting Education in Southeast Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ

Cynthia Weld (1838-1915)

Cynthia Weld portrait, circa 1883
Cynthia Weld portrait, circa 1883.

About Cynthia Weld

First female faculty member:  Cynthia Weld, a New York native, was Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ University's first female faculty member, teaching English literature and history and rhetoric.

When President William Henry Scott reorganized the faculty in 1881-1882, that reorganization included creating the new Department of History and Rhetoric, for which Weld was hired as a professor in 1883. According to Thomas Hoover's The History of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ University, Scott believed that since a number of women were enrolling at the university there should be a woman teacher. Weld did not stay at OHIO long. After President Scott left and became president at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ State University, he hired her there.

 

Her Time

When Cynthia Weld came to OHIO, the nation was in the midst of the post Civil-War reconstruction era. It was also the beginning of a time of rapid economic growth in the United States. It was nearly five decades before women would get the right to vote.

Her Legacy at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ

Weld House, a South Green residence hall built in 1969, was named in honor of Professor Weld. It was originally known as South Green building number 7.

Weld House
Weld House