Iowa has a rich educational scene, with its public colleges and universities being some of the most acclaimed state institutions in the country. The University of Iowa is even home to a writers’ workshop that has resulted in the city being named an official UNESCO City of Literature! Countless famous faces have visited the city – but most people don’t know what a huge role the university and state played in the battle for women’s rights to an equal education. Iowa feminist history is surprisingly rich, and it all began when the University of Iowa became the first university to fully admit women as equal students and allow them access to the same programs as male students. Let’s turn back the clock, and see how Iowa helped to change the country and pave the way for equal rights.

The University of Iowa is the crown jewel of Iowa's public university system, and its roots date back to 1847. It would only be eight years later that it would make history.
Vkulikov/Wikipedia
While some private coed colleges and women's colleges had been opened, the University of Iowa became the first public university to admit women as equal students in 1855.
The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
Nathan Howe Parker/Wikipedia
This would only be the start of significant moves in Iowa feminist history. Arabella Mansfield would push Iowa to become the first state to allow women to practice law in 1869.
Public Domain/Wikipedia

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She would officially take her oath as Iowa's first female lawyer that year at the historic Union Block building in Mount Pleasant.
Union Block Building, West Monroe Street, Mount Pleasant, IA, USA
Vkil/Wikipedia
Cornell College would soon name its first female professor, as Harriette Jay Cooke became a full-time professor of German studies.
Cornell College, 1st Street West, Mt Vernon, IA, USA
Cornell College
Also in 1871, Ada E. North would become the first woman appointed to statewide office - taking the oath as the Iowa State Librarian.
Public Domain/Wikipedia
All this progress would come back to the University of Iowa, as in 1873 the first law degree awarded to a woman would be given to Mary B. Hickey Wilkinson.
Jordan Jenquin/Google Local

Did you know about the role the University of Iowa played in Iowa feminist history? Have you been to any of the sites mentioned in this article? Let us know in the comments section! You can learn more about the long history and countless opportunities at the University of Iowa by visiting the official website.

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