| Between the years of 1833 to 1920, the fledgling position of dean of women evolved into a profession. This study examines that evolution through five phases of professionalization, and the nature of the profession as it was practiced by a significant cadre of women.;During the first phase of professionalization (1833-1892) coeducation emerged and female administrators were dormitory matrons responsible for chaperonage and discipline. After 1892, however, a small cadre of women developed a more expansive vision for the profession, defining their new role as one of advocacy for women students and professional status for themselves.;The contributions of Marion Talbot (University of Chicago, 1892-1925) were crucial to the second phase (1892-1902). Talbot provided the first model for the potential of the position, articulated a view of women integral to the intellectual foundation of the profession, and organized the first Conference of Deans.;The careers of three women whose working lives correspond to third, fourth, and fifth phases (1902-1918) comprise the essence of this study: Mary Bidwell Breed (Indiana University, 1901-1906); Ada Comstock (University of Minnesota, 1906-1912); and Lois Mathews (University of Wisconsin, 1911-1918).;Mary Bidwell Breed was obligated to attend only to the most urgent needs of women. Breed's leadership in the early Conferences of Deans in 1903 shifted the focus of the Conference towards deans in public institutions, the sector that produced the leadership of the new profession until the 1920s.;Ada Comstock illustrated a systematic, more "scientific" approach to the job, which marked a growing professional maturity among the deans, and defined and articulated a field of expertise for deans.;Lois Mathews helped bring to fruition the more tangible aspects of professionalization, especially in the area of professional training for aspiring deans. She invited aspirants to her office and acted as a mentor, taught the first course on women in administration, organized the first state-wide conference of deans, and wrote the first book in the professional literature, The Dean of Women.;In the conclusion, the history of the profession of dean of women subsequent to 1918 is briefly discussed. This included the profession's insensitivity toward African American women, as well as the subsequent loss of stature for deans after 1940. |
