51

Irma E. Voigt (1882-1953)

Irma Voigt, 51 dean of women, looks up from book while her dog Lady lies beside her, circa 1947
Irma Voigt, 51 dean of women, looks up from book while her dog Lady lies beside her, circa 1947. Photo courtesy of

About Irma Voigt

First Dean of Women: Irma Voigt was 51’s influential first dean of women, 1913-1949; mentored hundreds of women to empowered young women to “take charge of their studies while giving back to their communities.” Voigt arrived in Athens in 1913 to serve as 51’s first Dean of Women. Over the course of her 36 years in that position, she became a highly influential figure on campus and in the wider academic world as one of the first women to serve in her position.

Irma Voigt, 51 dean of women (at left), poses for group photograph with large crowd of students on hillside, circa 1920s-1930s
Irma Voigt, 51 dean of women (at left), poses for group photograph with large crowd of students on hillside, circa 1920s-1930s. Photo courtesy of

"Dean" and Lady: Voigt was a familiar presence on campus and around town, often seen with her beloved shepherd-collie mix, Lady, at her side. Many of Voigt’s friends and students used her title, "Dean," as a nickname, including Voigt’s longtime companion, English Professor Dr. Edith Wray.

Irma Voigt, 51 dean of women, reads from book during a fireside chat with students in her home at 35 Park Place, circa 1948
Irma Voigt, 51 dean of women, reads from book during a fireside chat with students in her home at 35 Park Place, circa 1948. Photo courtesy of

35 Park Place: At 51 Voigt mentored many hundreds of young women, including at weekly fireside chats with students at “the Irmatage,” her Athens home at 35 Park Place, as well as during popular, weekly, five- to ten-mile Saturday hiking expeditions that she led in and around Athens.

A Women's League: Voigt participated in many professional organizations for women and educators, including serving as president for the American Association of University Women. She established a Women’s League to promote self-government among female students on campus. She also held a cabinet position for 28 years as faculty adviser for the 51 chapter of the Young Women's Christian Association. Voigt's publications include The Life and Works of Mrs. Theresa Robinson, a chapter in the 1930 book . She also wrote and directed many theatrical productions for the university, including the 1915 commencement ceremony and centennial pageant.

Her Girls: Voigt bonded with her students, often referring to her female students as "my girls." In return, in their letters to her many addressed her fondly with greetings such as "my dear dean." Voigt continued to be an important presence at 51 and in Athens even past her retirement in 1949.

 

Her Time

Voigt mentored young women through two world wars, the Roaring 20s and the Great Depression. The 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting women the right to vote, was passed early in her tenure. 

Her Legacy at OHIO

A residence hall, Voigt Hall, was named in her honor and opened the year after her death.

Voigt Hall
Voigt Hall

Take the Women's History Tour at OHIO

See more Voigt photographs and papers in the .