Students Reflect on Uncovering Women’s History at Greenville University
Published: December 11, 2024
Author: Julia Roat-Abla
Maddy Meek
Student researchers featured their historical research on the lives and contributions of pioneering women in Greenville University’s history during Homecoming weekend. These presentations culminated after months of in-depth study, collaboration, and personal growth. Supported by a NetVUE research grant, the project allowed students to uncover often-overlooked stories, leading to surprising discoveries that challenged their assumptions and offered fresh insights into the University’s mission and legacy.
For Lucas Nowlan, a history and theology double major, the project illuminated Greenville's groundbreaking role in women's education. "Almira College was the 13th in the nation to allow women to have a four-year degree—very trailblazing ahead of their time," Lucas said of the college that would become Greenville College. His research, guided by professor Sharon Grimes, centered on the societal norms of the mid-19th century. He discovered how disciplines like botany and drawing were deemed appropriate for women while men dominated in leadership roles.
Despite challenges, such as accessing poorly preserved documents, Lucas found the process rewarding. "One of the things I was very interested in was understanding the social context of a woman, particularly pre-Civil War and right afterward," he explained. "I’ve become prouder of the legacy that we have because we are one of the only schools able to boast a long legacy of women within academia."
Lucas Nowlan
The students’ research focused on notable women and their impact at Greenville University, highlighting women in leadership, education, athletics, and the arts.
· Mary Alice Tenney: Known as Greenville College’s first historian, Dr. Tenney authored Still Abides the Memory (Tower Press of Greenville College, 1942), a cornerstone of the institution’s historical record. Professor Benjamin Wayman, Aly Fry, and Abby Cox brought her story to life through the collaborative efforts.
· Ruby E. Dare: Celebrated as the visionary behind Greenville College’s library, Dare’s contributions extend to mission work and servant-hearted leadership. Kollin Fields and Stephanie Kemp explored her legacy.
· Mary LaDue: A prominent figure in the debate over music’s role in the Free Methodist Church and Greenville College. Steve Tungate and Natalie Tungate examined LaDue's influence.
· June Strahl and Phillis Holmes: University chaplain Keli Pennington’s and Maddy Meek’s research honored these pioneers of women’s athletics at Greenville, highlighting their role in advancing opportunities for women in sports.
· Elva McAllaster and Harriett Whiteman: Professor Brian Hartley and Mikey Ward studied the contributions of known trailblazers in Greenville College’s English department, who shaped the academic experiences for generations of students. were studied by.
For Abigail Cox, uncovering these hidden stories was both surprising and inspiring. "What surprised me the most about the stories and contributions of the women we researched was the fact that they had not been recognized before, especially knowing Greenville's history as starting as a women's college," she said.
Abigail noted how the University’s legacy remains alive today. "It surprised me the ways in which Greenville seems to have continued its legacy without even knowing that it has. I have had female professors who have poured into my life in the same way that Dr. Tenney was able to pour into the lives of her students," she shared.
Abigail Cox
This research has shaped the students’ understanding of Greenville University's ongoing mission. "It was eye-opening to see that while women may not have always been given opportunities to lead, they still found a way to lead in character and service," Abigail noted.
Stephanie Kemp, who studied Ruby Dare’s legacy, echoed similar sentiments: "My hope for current and future students at Greenville University is that they will see in Dare’s legacy a powerful example of how faith and dedication to a vocation can create a lasting impact."
Stephanie Kemp
The vignettes compiled by the research teams and presented during Homecoming weekend, allowed the broader community to celebrate the enduring impact of women leaders.
Reflecting on the project’s significance, Lucas emphasized, "Greenville is still Greenville, but the legacy we’ve inherited and built upon is one to be proud of."
Abigail added, "I hope the University will be inspired to continue to recover the stories of neglected voices from the past as they can often be the voices we need to hear the most."
Ten articles covering the research of these GU women will be available online in early 2025. These articles, together with planned YouTube presentations, will ensure that the vital stories uncovered by the research teams continue to inspire and inform a wider audience.
This is experiential learning at its best. By engaging in historical research for presentation and publication, students not only deepened their understanding of Greenville University’s history but also forged personal connections to the legacy of character and service that continues to inspire current and future generations.
