Mary Lyon was a pioneer in American education who acted as a consultant to the Wheaton family at the founding of the Seminary and established the curriculum.
1830 - 1910Mary Lyon
1850 - 1876Caroline Cutler Metcalf
Mrs. Caroline Cutler Metcalf was one of the few truly historically influential members of the Wheaton community. Hired in 1850, at age 41, to replace Margaret Mann, she remained at Wheaton for 26 years, providing superior leadership until 1876.
1851 - 1911Mary Jane Cragin
Mary Jane Cragin, an innovative teacher of geometry, natural philosophy and astronomy, was hired by Mrs. Metcalf, who tried always to have at least one Normal School graduate among the members of her faculty. She wished the Seminary to have… Read More »
1854Lucy Larcom
Lucy Larcom was hired by Mrs. Metcalf in 1854, and introduced the study of English Literature at Wheaton. Famed as a poet, author, and editor, Larcom is remembered for her autobiography A New England Girlhood, still in print, in which… Read More »
1858 - 1870Ellen Medora Plimpton
Ellen Plimpton was hired as Wheaton’s first full-time teacher of calisthenics by her aunt, Mrs. Caroline Cutler Metcalf, who threatened to resign if Miss Plimpton was not hired. Previous to this, teachers led physical exercises in addition to their other… Read More »
1862Ann E. Carter
Ann E. Carter was a seminary teacher from 1862-63 and 1866-71. Educated by her father, Ann E. Carter became a teacher at Wheaton in 1862-63, then withdrew because of poor health. Returning in 1866, she remained until her death, teaching… Read More »
1868 - 1941Frances Vose Emerson
Frances Vose Emerson 1872 taught literature, rhetoric and history from 1881 to 1886 and was a trustee from 1922 to 1941, when she was voted trustee emerita. She was born in Hudson, OH, in 1855, to Martha Eliza Waldo Vose,… Read More »
1869Clara Pike Begins Teaching at Wheaton
Clara M. Pike, Class of 1866, began her 32-year career at Wheaton in 1869, teaching the sciences and fighting for better equipment and classroom facilities. Having attended classes at the Women’s Laboratory of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, she regularly invited… Read More »
1870 - 1931Annie March Kilham
Annie March Kilham 1870 took a class in teaching at Wheaton in 1869-70 and remained at the Seminary to teach Latin, English, German, Mathematics, Natural Philosophy and Astronomy from 1870 to 1875 and in 1885-86. A founding member of the… Read More »
1873Annie Austin Emerson
Annie Austin Emerson, W1871, taught in the mathematics and English branches in 1873 and 1875-76.
1906 - 1934Ida Josephine Everett
Ida Josephine Everett taught English and psychology from 1906 to 1913 and English literature from 1912 to 1928. She was the first dean of the College from 1912 to 1921. A native of Walpole, she graduated from Mount Holyoke College,… Read More »
1909 - 1946Sarah Belle Young, Honorary Degree Recipient
Sarah Belle Young, professor of English, registrar and secretary to the faculty from 1909 to 1946, is awarded an honorary degree. Miss Young experienced many changes at Wheaton, having arrived in the days of the Seminary and its many restrictions.… Read More »
1913 - 1940Grace F. Shepard
Grace F. Shepard was a member of the English Department from 1913 to 1940 and author of Reference History of Wheaton College (1931).
1921 - 1940Arthur Cutler
Arthur Cutler (1874-1945) was the College’s Business Manager from 1921 to 1928 and the Manager of the Department of Grounds and Buildings from 1928 to 1940.
1922 - 1950Agnes Riddell
Agnes Riddell was a Professor of Romance Languages from 1922-1940. Miss Riddell was Acting Dean from 1923 to 1925 and Professor Emerita from 1940 until her death in 1950.
1925 - 1952Elisabeth Wheeler Amen
Elisabeth Wheeler Amen was a professor of psychology and education from 1925 until 1952. She founded Wheaton’s nursery school after studying such schools in Great Britain. When it received a new building in 1966, it was named in her honor.… Read More »
1925 - 1956Elsie Elizabeth Gulley
Elsie Elizabeth Gulley was a member of the history department from 1925 to 1956. The Amen-Gulley House was named after Elsie, along with Elisabeth Wheeler Amen, with whom she lived.
1926 - 1935Edith M. White
Edith M. White was a Professor of Economics from 1926 to 1930 and Dean of Freshman from 1929 to 1935.
1931 - 1989Dr. Ernest John Knapton
Member of the history department from 1931 to 1969, and Professor Emeritus from 1969 to 1989, Dr. Knapton was educated at the University of British Columbia, Oxford University (where he was a Rhodes Scholar) and Harvard University.
1941Walter Oscar McIntire Speaks at Commencement
“Dr. Mac,” Walter Oscar McIntire was a professor of philosophy and education from 1914 to 1941. A beloved teacher, students knew him as gentle, dedicated, serious and approachable. He performed marriage ceremonies for many alumnae, usually in Cole Memorial Chapel.… Read More »