Clemson in Pickens County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

First Woman Graduate

Photographed By Brian Scott, May 29, 2009

1. First Woman Graduate Marker

Inscription. Margaret Marie Snider came to the College in January, 1955. She transferred to Clemson from Anderson College and finished her degree in 1957. Snider was the first woman to complete degree requirements at Clemson. She studied chemistry, then houses in Brackett Hall. This marker was placed on the fiftieth anniversary of her matriculation.

Then in 1958, Virginia Cole Skelton became the first female graduate to have completed all her undergraduate work at Clemson. Skelton earned a degree in Secondary Education with emphasis in mathematics and chemistry.

Erected 2005.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Women. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1955.

Location. 34° 40.717′ N, 82° 50.217′ W. Marker is in Clemson, South Carolina, in Pickens County. Marker is at the intersection of Calhoun Drive and Fort Hill Street, on the right when traveling south on Calhoun Drive. Marker is located on the grounds of Clemson University, near the south corner of Brackett Hall. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 321 Calhoun Drive, Clemson SC 29631, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hardin Hall (a few steps from this marker); Walter T. Cox, Jr. (within shouting distance of this marker); Trustee House

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(about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Quercus lyrata (Overcup Oak) (about 300 feet away); Outdoor Theater (Amphitheater) (about 400 feet away); Tillman Hall (about 400 feet away); The Old Tillman Hall Bell (about 500 feet away); Class of 1943 Veterans (about 500 feet away); Integration with Dignity, 1963 (about 500 feet away); Fort Hill (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Clemson.

Also see . . .
1. Women and Clemson University. E-book on the history of women at Clemson University. (Submitted on July 1, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)

2. Clemson woman for all seasons: Virginia Cole Skelton '58. Ginny Skelton was a young wife and new mom when she enrolled in Clemson as an education major in August 1955. (Submitted on July 1, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)

3. Clemson University. Official website of Clemson University. (Submitted on July 1, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)

Photographed By Brian Scott, May 29, 2009

2. First Woman Graduate Marker

First Woman Graduate Marker -<br>Brackett Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott, May 29, 2009

3. First Woman Graduate Marker -
Brackett Hall

Brackett Hall is named for Dr. Richard Newman Brackett, Ph.D., an early chemistry professor and department head who also chaired the Y.M.C.A. Advisory Board. Brackett was one of the original faculty in 1891, and survived all other members of Clemson's initial professors, passing away on November 27, 1937. Sometimes called the "Ology" building, Brackett Hall houses the Sociology, Geology, Psychology, and Political Science departments. (Source: http://www.clemsonwiki.com/wiki/Brackett_Hall.)

February 2005 Unveiling image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Clemson World, Spring 2005, 2005

4. February 2005 Unveiling

Clemson University President Barker during the February 2005 unveiling of the marker which celebrated the 50th anniversary of Clemson education.

Margaret Marie Snider in a Science Lab image. Click for full size.

Clemson University by Helene M. Riley, 1957

5. Margaret Marie Snider in a Science Lab

According to an article in Clemson World (2005), Margaret Marie Snider Coker, who transferred from Anderson College after receiving a two-year degree, commuted by hitchhiking daily with her brother to Clemson from her home in Anderson. She recalled that when she entered class, the boys all stood up and clapped. She went on to earn a degree in chemistry in 1957 and at that moment became Clemson's first female graduate.

Margaret Marie Snider Receiving Her Diploma from Clemson President Robert F. Poole image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott, 1957

6. Margaret Marie Snider Receiving Her Diploma from Clemson President Robert F. Poole

Virginia Cole Skelton image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott

7. Virginia Cole Skelton

Virginia Cole Skelton became the first female graduate to earn all of her hours at Clemson; she also went on to become the first female president of Clemson's Alumni Council in 1993.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 1, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,977 times since then and 211 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 1, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 4. submitted on June 18, 2012, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 5, 6, 7. submitted on July 1, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.