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Presidents of Mount Holyoke

Principals and Presidents of Mount Holyoke

Since its founding in 1837, Mount Holyoke has had principals and presidents following in the footsteps of our founder, Mary Lyon. This is a comprehensive list of their names and terms. Questions? Email archives@mtholyoke.edu or call 413-538-3079.

  1. Mary Lyon
    Founder and Principal
    1837 – 1849

  2. Mary C. Whitman (class of 1839)
    Principal
    1849 – 1850

  3. Mary W. Chapin (class of 1843)
    Acting Principal
    1850 – 1852
    Principal
    1852 – 1865

  4. Sophia D. Stoddard (class of 1841)
    Acting Principal
    1865 – 1867

  5. Helen M. French (class of 1857)
    Principal
    1867 – 1872

  6. Julia E. Ward (class of 1857)
    1872 – 1883
    Principal

  7. Elizabeth Blanchard (class of 1858)
    Principal and President
    1883 – 1889

  8. Louisa F. Cowles (class of 1866)
    Acting President
    1889 – 1890

  9. Elizabeth Storrs Mead
    President
    1890 – 1900

  10. Mary E. Woolley
    President
    1900 – 1937

  11. Roswell G. Ham
    President
    1937 – 1957

  12. Richard Glenn Gettell
    President
    1957 – 1968

  13. Meribeth E. Cameron
    Acting President
    1968 – 1969

  14. David B. Truman
    President
    1969 – 1978

  15. Elizabeth T. Kennan (class of 1960)
    President
    1978 – 1995

  16. Joanne V. Creighton
    President
    1996 – 2010

  17. Lynn Pasquerella (class of 1980)
    President
    2010 – 2016

  18. Sonya Stephens
    Acting President
    2016 – 2018
    President
    2018 –2022

  19. Beverly Daniel Tatum
    Acting President
    2002
    Interim President
    2022-2023

  20. Danielle R. Holley
    President
    2023-

Historical Note: Mary A. Brigham (class of 1849, non-graduate) is not included on this list because she did not officially serve as president of Mount Holyoke. Tragically she died in a railway accident en route to begin her term as president in 1889. This note honors and recognizes her selection as a president of Mount Holyoke.