MIT's First Female Professor to Secure Tenure, Emily Wick PhD '51, Passes Away at 91
Emily Wick: Pioneer for Women in STEM at MIT
Emily Wick, a trailblazing academic figure, made significant contributions to the scientific community during her tenure at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Mount Holyoke College. Born on December 9, 1921, in Youngstown, Ohio, Wick's life and career were marked by a commitment to advancing women in STEM fields.
Wick's academic journey began at Mount Holyoke College, where she earned her BS in chemistry and MA in organic chemistry. In 1946, she joined the MIT community as a PhD candidate in the chemistry department, marking the start of a remarkable career.
At MIT, Wick's contributions were numerous and far-reaching. She served as a professor, working tirelessly to advance academic and administrative developments within the sciences and engineering fields. Wick's efforts to promote gender equality were particularly noteworthy. In 1959, she returned to MIT as an assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Science.
One of Wick's most significant achievements at MIT was the establishment of the Women's Forum, a platform for discussing issues ranging from women's health to career opportunities. This forum ensured that female students, faculty, and staff had an equal voice and role on MIT's campus. Wick was instrumental in eliminating gender considerations from MIT's admissions criteria, paving the way for future generations of women to pursue their academic dreams.
Wick's influence extended beyond the classroom. From 1965 to 1972, she served as associate dean of students at MIT, a role that allowed her to continue advocating for gender equality and promoting the participation of women in the Institute's community. In 1963, Wick became the first woman to reach the rank of tenured faculty at MIT, a testament to her dedication and impact.
After her tenure at MIT, Wick moved to Mount Holyoke College, where she served as president from 2000 to 2010. During her presidency, she focused on strengthening academic programs, promoting diversity, and enhancing the college’s national reputation.
Emily Wick passed away peacefully in her home in Rockport, Mass., on March 21, 2013, at the age of 91. Her legacy continues to inspire those who strive for gender equality in STEM fields. A more detailed timeline and description of her contributions would require access to biographical resources or institutional archives that specifically profile her career.
- Emily Wick's impact was not limited to the chemistry department at MIT, as she worked diligently as a professor to advance academic and administrative developments within the sciences and engineering fields.
- Wick's efforts to promote gender equality at MIT reached a significant milestone in 1959 when she returned as an assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Science and established the Women's Forum, a platform addressing topics like women's health, career opportunities, and more.
- Wick's achievements extended beyond MIT; in 2000, she became the president of Mount Holyoke College, focusing on strengthening academic programs, promoting diversity, and elevating the college's national reputation.
- As a trailblazer for women in STEM fields, Wick broke barriers at MIT when she became the first woman to reach the rank of tenured faculty in 1963.
- Wick's influence stretched to the realm of education and self-development, creating opportunities for future generations of female students, faculty, and staff to thrive in their academic pursuits.
- Wick's contributions to the MIT community did not merely revolve around science; as associate dean of students from 1965 to 1972, she continued advocating for gender equality and fostering participation of women in the Institute's diverse community.
- The campus health and wellness framework was positively impacted by Emily Wick's long-term dedication to promoting women's health, a commitment that led to invaluable discussions about womens' health at the Women's Forum.
- Alumni, students, and faculty of both MIT and Mount Holyoke College remember Wick's contributions to the scientific community and have benefited from her pioneering work in science, health, and education-and-self-development, as well as her commitment to sports and sportsmanship.
