Women of the Capstone Throughout History

Gorgas was a beloved librarian, hospital matron and post-mistress for students from 1878 until her retirement in 1907. She was the first female librarian at the Capstone and the first woman to have an academic building on UA’s campus named in her honor.

Julia Tutwiler petitioned the University to accept and admit women in 1892.

Tutwiler was a champion for education across the state, helping found the University of West Alabama and the University of Montevallo.

Anna Adams, left, and Bessie Parker were the first female students admitted to the University in 1893.

The Crimson White, UA’s student newspaper, reported that Adams and Parker were conditionally accepted if, “they proved themselves worthy of trust.” Both students had average grades of 95% or better.

Autherine Lucy Foster broke down barriers as the first Black student to enroll at the Capstone.

In 1956, Foster was expelled after three days out of concern for her safety. She returned years later to earn her master’s degree in education in 1991. In 2019, she received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. And in 2022, the University honored her with the dedication of Autherine Lucy Hall.

Vivian Malone Jones was the first African American to graduate from UA.

In 1963, Jones and James Hood arrived on campus with the intention of enrolling. Waiting for them and blocking the entrance to Foster Auditorium was Gov. George Wallace. President John F. Kennedy eventually forced Wallace to permit their entry to the University. Malone was accepted as a junior and graduated in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in business management.

Dianne Kirksey-Floyd was the founder of the Afro American Association.

Kirksey-Floyd became well known on campus as the first Black student to be on the homecoming court and was the first Black Bama Belle. She went on to become a household name in theatre before passing away in 2020.

Sarah Patterson led the 1988 women’s gymnastics team to win its first-ever NCAA tournament.

Patterson led the Crimson Tide to six national championships, eight SEC championships and dozens of other accolades. In 2013, the University built the Sarah Patterson Champions Plaza in honor of her success.

Betsy Plank was known as the first lady of public relations.

In 2005, The Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama established the Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations in honor of the UA graduate and public relations pioneer. The Center’s mission is to develop research, scholarships and forums that advance the ethical practice of public relations.

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