Phebe Estelle Spalding

Born in Vermont in 1859, she began teaching at a young age and later studied at Carleton College. In 1889, she joined Pomona College as its first woman professor, teaching English and taking on other important roles, including dean of women and librarian.

She became a central figure in the college's early years, helping build both its academic life and its library. Beyond campus, she also wrote books, including An Old Schoolmaster of Bavaria and The Tahquitch Maiden, showing an interest in history, character, and place.

Spalding died in 1937, but she remains an important part of Pomona's story: a teacher, organizer, and author who opened doors in higher education at a time when few women held such positions.