Dean Simpson

Dean Simpson, Francis Colburn, 1954

This portrait tells a story of our own university’s history.  The artist, Francis Colburn, was a University of Vermont alumnus, and returned to teach art.  The subject is University of Vermont’s first female dean, Mary Jean Simpson.  She was in position from 1937 to 1955, with Colburn creating his work of art in 1954 before she left.   The University of Vermont continuously honors both the subject and artist through various scholarships, a residence hall, and a gallery space. 

          Dean Simpson was known as an exceptional leader and opened up a number of opportunities in Vermont education, especially for women.  She graduated with a PhD from UVM in 1913, but continued to learn at Colombia University, after teaching in a number of places throughout Vermont.  When coming back to Vermont, she was elected to the Vermont State Legislature, where she became the first woman ever to pass a bill in Vermont.  After working for the Office of Secretary of the United States Senate for a while, she came back to Vermont to help with New Deal programs for women.  After two years, she became the Dean of UVM until 1955. Simpson set up the first infirmary at the school and helped to create the university’s first nursing program. 

          As one might expect, she continued with politics and education well after her retirement.  She passed away in 1977, but her legacy of female empowerment will forever live on at the university.