The History of Women’s Hall of Fame
Women’s Hall of Fame is dedicated to celebrating the achievements, leadership and contributions of faculty, staff and alumni whose achievements have impacted their fields, the Missouri S&T community and the world. Through education, determination and inspiration, these trailblazers have sought to empower future generations, break barriers, promote positivity and lead by example. By preserving the inductees’ legacies, Women’s Hall of Fame hopes to empower others to make their own meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond.
1960’S – 1970’S
During the 1960’s the number of female students began to grow significantly, creating new opportunities for women at Missouri S&T. In 1962, the university provided the first dormitory for women to meet the growing need for housing, and additional facilities were added through the 1960s and early 1970s. The first tenure-track female faculty members were hired in the mid-1960s. New social organizations for women were also being founded at this time.
A chapter of the Society of Women Engineers, originally begun in 1960, was reactivated in 1966. The first national sorority on campus, Kappa Delta, was chartered in 1972, and Zeta Tau Alpha was founded in 1973. Chi Omega and Alpha Kappa Alpha were chartered in 1979 and 1981.) A women’s track team was established in 1969, and the first woman coach joined the staff in 1974. The Women in Engineering Program was begun in 1975 as a scholarship program to support women pursuing engineering degrees.
2004
The Women in Engineering Program, which was begun in the 1970s as a scholarship program, redefined its mission in the 2000-2001 school year. The new mission is “to promote diversity and support the needs of
female students with the aim of increasing the number of female graduates entering our nation’s engineering and science workforce.” The organization changed its name in 2004 to better represent this mission, becoming Women in Science and Engineering (WISE). Cecilia Elmore became the coordinator of WISE in 2003 and the Director of the Women’s Leadership Institute in 2004.
2005
Missouri University of Science and Technology celebrated the 30th anniversary of WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) on March 12, 2005. The event, “WISE Beyond Our Years” began at noon and was followed by the first noted Hall of Fame ceremony.
2010
On March 19, 2010 as part of the Women’s History Month activities, as well as the 35th anniversary of the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) program, three alumnae were recognized as new members of the Missouri S&T Women’s Hall of Fame. The women were inducted based on their professional accomplishments as well as their support of the university.
2012
Cecilia Elmore, Director of the Women’s Leadership Institute was named the director of student diversity, outreach, and women’s programs. Elmore earned a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering management from Missouri S&T in 1986 and a Master of Education in higher education administration and leadership from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
2019
Student Diversity Initiatives department recognized three exceptional individuals into the Women’s Hall of Fame and hosted the first Women’s Hall of Fame Awards Luncheon at the Havener Center.
2024
Dr. Nicole Roberson, Vice Chancellor, took the Women’s Hall of Fame Celebration to the next level when her department purchased the Women’s Hall of Fame digital display. The display is hung at the Havener Center, just outside of St. Pat’s ballroom. The display proudly celebrates all past honorees.
Dr. Nicole Roberson (left) and Brittany Thompson (right)
2025
Engagement & Outreach began oversight of the Women’s Hall of Fame (WHF) in 2025. A Women’s Hall of Fame committee was formed and includes faculty, staff and a past inductee, a representation from multiple S&T departments.
The committee created a defined criteria and nomination process for the Women’s Hall of Fame and for the first time opened the nominations to include females, as well as males. Beginning in 2025, nominations would be taken for any individual who meets the WHF expectations. And finally, the committee designed the first website dedicated to the new vision for Women’s Hall of Fame and provided an online capacity to accept nominations for future inductees.
Committee Members
Back row: Lynne Davidson, Rebecca West, Susan Cochran
Front row: Lisa Martellaro, Sara McKee, Susan Murray
Not pictured: Lindsay Sanford and Simone Waldon