Elizabeth Storrs Mead

Biography

Elizabeth Storrs Mead brought a lifetime of teaching and an unshakable belief in academic rigor to modernizing Mount Holyoke College during her presidency. She guided the institution through a period of expanding science programs, improved training for faculty, and stronger ties to missionary efforts, always insisting that the college honor its mission to educate women for leadership.

She traveled widely to speak about the value of women in higher education, supported new scholarship funds, and encouraged students to combine intellect with compassion, leaving behind an alumna network proud to carry forward her ideals, and Phillips Academy Cemetery holds the marker where her many students still visit to pay respect.