50+ Years of Coeducation
The 50+ Years of Coeducation on-campus celebration was a huge success filled with inspiring content and quality connections.
Check out some of the coverage from the weekend:
- Kick-off Panel: Paving the Way with Purpose
Watch this video recording moderated by President Doug Hicks ’90 and featuring panelists Patti Phillips Clark ’77, Bo Phillips ’74, Mitzi Short ’83 and Vicki Switzer ’74 - Keynote Panel: Ceiling Shatterers
Watch this video recording moderated by Kristin Hills Bradberry ’85 and featuring panelists Julia Edwards Ainsley ’09, Ann Clark ’80, Anna Katherine Clemmons Clay '01 and Olivia Ware ’78 - Herstory: Leadership and Lessons
Watch this video recording featuring TEDx-style presentations from Kenzie Leonard '24, Natalie Russell '25, President Emerita Carol Quillen, Anne Stanback ’81 and Janet Stovall ’85 - Keynote Address by Elizabeth Kiss ’83
Read this transcript featuring Davidson’s first female Rhodes Scholar; Warden of Rhodes House and CEO of the Rhodes Trust, the first woman to hold this position
Explore photos from the weekend using password "coed" to view this Coeducation Weekend Photo Gallery.
Stories from 50+ Years of Co-Education
Black Women Find Connection and Community Through Msaada Mentorship Program
Through the Msaada Mentorship Program, Davidson College’s Black women students and Black women alums find connection and support. Learn more.
Looking Back
In 1972, the Davidson College Board of Trustees expanded admission by allowing women without family connections at the college to transfer.
The final step was to allow women to enter as first-years, with the first full class entering in the fall of 1973.
The journey toward coeducation started much earlier. In 1861, young women took classes at Davidson, including some of President Kirkpatrick's seven daughters. This continued with other campus leaders and their families. The first real step came in 1969, when female "exchange students" from seven other colleges took classes at Davidson, usually during their junior year. In 1971, Davidson hosted its first international coed, Regina Jung of Tubingen, West Germany. By this time, the Trustees were ready to make a change for women at Davidson College.
So, why is there a “+” after 50? In 1972, Davidson became officially coeducational, and women were admitted as full degree-seeking candidates.
Marianna “Missy” Boaz Woodward ’73 was the first woman to graduate.
We recognize 1973 as the 50th anniversary, but 1972 was a key year.