Maude Gilchrist

At just 16 years old, Maude Gilchrist graduated from the Iowa State Normal School with her Bachelor in Didactics. The daughter of James Gilchrist, she is not only the youngest known graduate at UNI but also the first woman to graduate from the institution.

Gilchrist received her diploma in the first graduating class of the Iowa State Normal School in June 1878. She then continued her studies, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in 1880 at 18 years old. 

Gilchrist was highly respected for her accomplishments. “In addition to being the daughter of a pioneer in teacher education, Miss Gilchrist was a distinguished educator in her own right,” said Irving H. Hart, former university archivist. 

From 1883-1886, she taught natural sciences and mathematics at the Iowa State Normal School and led a gymnastics club for women, which is considered one of the earliest attempts at organized women’s sports on campus. She was also co-founder of Omicron Nu, the home economics honor society and a fellow in the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

After leaving the Iowa State Normal School, Gilchrist held many other honorable positions, including botany instructor at Wellesley College in Massachusetts, dean of women and home economics at Michigan State College and house director at Iowa State College. She also followed in her father’s footsteps and served as a principal of the Illinois Women’s College for several years. 

Maude’s record as the youngest graduate in UNI history is likely to stand the test of time. Shortly after her graduation the university changed its policy to require students to be at least 18 years old to earn a degree, according to the registrar’s office.