Despite Shrinking Numbers, Women’s Colleges Are More Important Than Ever

Elizabeth Meade, president of Cedar Crest College (PA), writes:  The first women’s colleges in the United States were founded in the 18th century in the face of deep-seated opposition to educating women. These institutions opened the doors of opportunity for women’s education, changing the face of this nation and the world for the better. However, fewer than three dozen American women’s colleges remain — despite the fact that they continue to serve a purpose in educating women, especially those from underserved communities. A handful of women’s colleges have either closed or have begun admitting male students just in the past few years, including Mills College and Notre Dame of Maryland University. When women’s colleges close, go coed or merge with another institution, the reason is always economic.