Adele Starbird Dean of Women at W.U.

 
 
 

In 1939, Dean Starbird published a promotional brochure for the University entitled "Women at Washington."  It addressed many aspects of women's life at the University, including academics, athletics, residence hall living, dining, and social life.  Much of Starbird's responsibilities, in fact, revolved around recruiting potential women students to the University.  In a 1934-35 report to Chancellor Throop, she wrote "All of my efforts are directed toward getting students.  I spent nothing on what might be called the upkeep of cordial relations after we get the students." The recruitment statistics gradually improved, and by World War II the University did not have enough space to house all of its women students.

 
 
 
 

This handwritten note of Chancellor Compton records Starbird's opinion about integration of the residence halls.  The Chancellor eventually opted to integrate.

 
 
 

Dean Starbird on the path outside McMillan Hall in 1938.

 
 
 

In this 1939 picture featured in the Hatchet (Washington University yearbook) Dean Starbird is pictured in her office inside the Women's Building.

 
 
 
 

Dean Starbird in 1945

 
 
 
 

Adele Chomeau Starbird in 1962, three years after her retirement.

 
 
 

Adele Chomeau Starbird in 1979.  This photograph was featured on the cover of the Spring 1982 Washington University Magazine,which featured an article about Starbird.

 
 
 
  

** Submitted by Craig Pirner