PROMINENT WOMEN IN
PURDUE'S HISTORY
Amelia Erhart
Amelia Erhart is undoubtedly the most widely known "woman of Purdue", though many do not know how involved she was with Purdue University during her career. Some Amelia's career highlights include being the first woman to fly the Atlantic as well as breaking many early aviation records. Even after her solo flight across the Atlantic she served as a Purdue career counselor and adviser from 1935-1937. Amelia would also occasionally assist professors teaching in the field of aeronautics at Purdue. This is something that most students nationally and even at Purdue do not realize. Amelia Erhart was not just a distinguished alumni but an ongoing contributer to Purdue University.
Helen Schleman
Another Prominent woman in Purdue's history is Helen Schleman. In 1930 she was the director of the first women's residence hall since Ladies Hall had been razed in 1928. After serving in World War II, Miss Schleman went on to replace the previous Dean of Women Dorothy Stratton in 1947 (Topping 309). On top of her many accomplishments while serving in this capacity she also founded the Span Plan Adult Student Services Program . This is a program that provided assistance to students who have taken a non traditional path to college education. Some of the benefits provided by this program include scholarships, tutors, and specialized assistance to bring students of all backgrounds to a college education.
Betty Nelson
Originally from West Virgina, Betty Nelson started her career at Purdue university in the psychology department. She was then appointed the Dean of Women where she served from 1987, when she replaced Barbara Cook, until her retirement in 1995. During her time as dean her major focus was making the university accessible to anyone with a disability. Betty Nelson was largely responsible for the creation of the disability resource center, which acts as a facilitation service for students with disabilities as they pursue a degree from Purdue. She also founded the Advisory Council on Disability Issues, a student group to bring to light issues on campus regarding students with disabilities. when asked about her time as Dean of Students she replied "It was an absolute joy to create services to support Purdue students. I think remarkable students were attracted to Purdue and that continues" (Nelson).
France A. Córdova
France A. Córdova served as Purdue University's eleventh president from 2007 to 20012. Many people know the name Córdova because of the new recreation facility dedicated that bears the same name. Among her many accomplishments she was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve on the National Science Board. The President was quoted saying “The extraordinary dedication these individuals bring to their new roles will greatly serve the American people. I am grateful they have agreed to serve in this Administration and I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come.” ("Purdue President emerita France A. Córdova nominated for director of the National Science Foundation") This combined with her many achievements as president of Purdue University's first female president have made her a truly distinguished person, woman, and Purdue Faculty member.
Above is a recording of Córdova's last lecture given to students of Purdue during her time as President.