Voigt, Irma Elizabeth 1882-

Irma E. Voigt was a high school teacher and principal in Illinois prior to receiving her to receiving her Doctorate of Philosophy in German from the University of Illinois. She then moved to Athens, Ohio and was appointed as the first Dean of Women at Ohio University in 1913. Voigt participated in many professional organizations for women and educators, including serving as president for the American Association of University Women. She also held a cabinet position as faculty adviser for twenty-eight years within the Ohio University chapter of the Young Women's Christian Association. Voigt's publications include The Life and Works of Mrs. Theresa Robinson, a chapter in the book Deans at Work, and wrote a pageant for the celebration of Ohio University's 100th commencement ceremony. Dean Voigt was a pioneer for Ohio University women. She empowered her students and motivated them to be active, healthy, and to participate in a wide-range of Ohio University activities. Within this collection, Voigt often refers to her female students as "my girls" and in their letters to her they address her fondly with greetings such as "my dear dean". Voigt bonded with her students, both male and female, and was a presence at Ohio University even past her retirement in 1949. The dormitory, Voigt Hall, is named in her honor.

From the guide to the Irma E. Voigt Collection, 1910-1949, (Ohio University)

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