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Celebrating women's history
Centuries of difference-makers
Generations of women at UNC-Chapel Hill have made way for current students, faculty, staff and alumnae to make a mark on the world.
Click on a photo to learn more about a historic Tar Heel, and keep scrolling to learn about pioneering moments in Carolina's history.
Tar Heel trailblazers
Sallie Walker Stockard
In 1897, the Board of Trustees opened the University’s doors to women for postgraduate studies. Mary McRae, Lulie Watkins, Cecye Roanne Dodd, Dixie Lee Bryant and Sallie Walker Stockard were the first to be accepted for postgraduate studies. Stockard was the only one of the group to graduate, becoming in 1898 the first woman to earn a degree from Carolina — though she was excluded from all ceremonies, including the actual presentation of degrees and class pictures.
Susan Grey Akers
As more and more women began enrolling at Carolina in the early 1900s, leadership roles slowly began to be filled by people who reflected the student body. The University hired its first female faculty member in 1927 when Sallie Marks was named an assistant professor of education.
In 1942, Susan Grey Akers became the first woman dean at UNC-Chapel Hill when she was appointed to serve as the dean of the School of Information and Library Science, then called the School of Library Science.
Gwendolyn Harrison
When Gwendolyn Harrison Smith applied and was accepted to Carolina in 1951 as a doctoral student in Spanish, she had already earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Spelman College, a master’s degree in Spanish from the University of California and was a professor at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte.
University officials did not realize she was Black when she applied and told her she would not be allowed to live in the dorm or register for classes at Carolina. After Smith filed a federal lawsuit, Harrison became the first Black woman to study at Carolina.
Women's history at Carolina
Through the years
A legacy continued
Today, women continue to lead and succeed at Carolina. In May, we will welcome back soccer legend Mia Hamm to speak at Spring Commencement. Current students and alumnae make a difference with their work, and Tar Heels excel in everything from the arts and IT to athletics.
Click on a story below to see how Tar Heels continue the tradition of excellence set by generations of women before them.
Decades later, memories of Flower Ladies live on
Social media is connecting a new generation to the African American florists once central to Franklin Street.
Graduate student discovers youngest transiting planet ever
Identified by Carolina astronomer Madyson Barber, the “baby” planet is 3 million years old and roughly the size of Jupiter.
#GDTBATH: Brianna Vickerman
The Eshelman Innovation assistant professor uses light activation to dose drugs more precisely.
Emotion detective tracks effects of stress
Doctoral candidate Adrienne Bonar studies the many factors that shape people’s feelings.
Navy admiral’s leadership training began with Tar Heel soccer
Her experience playing on a championship team taught Kristin Acquavella how to work hard, push herself and trust others.
Katherine Turk writes first history of NOW
The associate professor of history documented the rise of the National Organization for Women in her 2023 book.
Karsen Kitchen makes space history
After becoming the youngest woman to cross the Kármán line, the proud Carolina senior is “still processing it all.”
This single mom is a renowned scientist
“You can be both,” says Taghreed Mohammed Al-Turki, a postdoctoral researcher in a UNC Lineberger lab.
Biology student’s quick response saves a life
During a BIOL 119 hospital shift, Neha Varrier did CPR on a patient until help arrived.
Around campus
Chatbot informs women about HIV prevention
Developed by Carolina researchers, ShesPrEPared uses artificial intelligence to help them pick their best option.
UNC-Jordan exchange raises women’s voices
In this UNC Global Affairs program, students made connections and worked together on a photo research project.
AI-enabled device revolutionizes pregnancy care
Handheld ultrasound allows novices to expertly estimate gestational age, a UNC School of Medicine study shows.