Irwin, Agnes, 1841-1914

Agnes Irwin was dean of Radcliffe College from 1894-1909.

Agnes Irwin, school and college administrator, descendent of Benjamin Franklin, was born and educated in Washington, D.C. After teaching in New York, she became principal of the Penn Square Seminary, later the Agnes Irwin School in Philadelphia (1869-1894). Appointed Dean of Radcliffe College in 1894, she maintained excellent relations with Harvard, improved opportunities for graduate study, and oversaw the physical expansion of the college. She was president of the Woman's Education Association (1901-1907) and of the Headmistresses' Association of Private Schools (1911-1914). She received honorary degrees from Western University of Pennsylvania, St. Andrew's University, Scotland (1906), and the University of Pennsylvania.