Wilkin, Matilda Campbell, 1846-1943

Matilda Jane Campbell Wilkin was a member of the University of Minnesota Class of 1877. She was the first woman teacher at the University, from 1877 to retirement in 1911, a member of the English and German departments.

From the description of Matilda Campbell Wilkin papers, 1861-1943. (University of Minnesota, Minneapolis). WorldCat record id: 63301167

Matilda Jane Campbell Wilkin was born on January 27, 1846 in Harrington, Maine. She taught on the East Coast before coming to Minnesota in 1870. She earned her bachelor's degree in 1877 from the University of Minnesota. After graduation, she was hired as an instructor of German and English (1877-1892), making her the first women instructor at the University of Minnesota. She became an assistant professor of German in 1892, and held this position until her retirement from the University in 1911. She was very involved in campus activities, including being one of the founding members of the campus YWCA, the honorary president of the Women's Cooperative Alliance and Minnesota Alumnae Club, member of Phi Beta Kappa, Delta Gamma and the Faculty Women's Club. Matilda Wilkin died on June 27, 1943, at the age of 97.

From the guide to the Matilda Jane Campbell Wilkin papers, 1861-1943, (University of Minnesota Libraries. University Archives [uarc])