Since 1870 when the first female students were admitted to Michigan State University, then the Michigan Agricultural College, Spartan women have been making their mark on the world. From the initial 10 students to now making up more than half of MSU’s enrollment, women are an integral part of the university’s history and its future. 

Learn about some of the early trailblazers who stepped into roles traditionally held by men to earn degrees, lead departments and create successful careers.

These women and many more were featured in a 2021 special exhibit at the MSU Main Library, “Women at MSU: 151 Groundbreaking Years.” Check out the complete collection on the MSU Libraries website.

All images courtesy of Michigan State University Archives and Historical Collections.