Congratulations, Elena! You’re the First Woman to Graduate. Please Don’t Inspire Others! On 25 June 1678, Elena Cornaro Piscopia (1646–1684) became the first woman in history to earn an academic degree from a university, receiving a doctorate in philosophy from University of Padua. Originally, Elena had applied for a doctorate in theology. Unfortunately, the Church […]

The First Woman for Whom the University Doors Were Opened… and Promptly Shut Behind Her.