Women at Massey University
Women had always been allowed to enrol at Massey, but it was four years after opening that the first woman enrolled - to do a poultry farming diploma. Massey's first woman graduate was Elsie Gertrude Thorpe, who was awarded a Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree in 1941.
The college introduced courses in horticulture in 1944 because of the demand to educate women in agricultural subjects. At this time, Massey was still the only agricultural college in New Zealand to accept female students.
Craiglockhart, acquired in 1944 with funds from the Mrs M N Moginie bequest, became the first hostel for women students at the College.
The first woman appointed to the academic staff at Massey Agricultural College was Ella Campbell. From her appointment in 1945, she remained the only female member of the academic staff until 1963.
Flickr slideshow
History of the Albany campus
Massey University Calendar
