Ellen Smith

Ellen Smith (1838-1903) was hired by Chancellor Edmund Fairfield in 1877 as an instructor of Greek and Latin. The first woman faculty member, she rose to the position of Registrar in 1884 and remained in that position until 1902. Miss Smith also served as "custodian of the library", and was responsible for moving the collections from University Hall into the newly completed library in 1895. Before becoming registrar, she also served as principal of the Latin School.

Miss Smith, also known as "Ma Smith", was a force to be reckoned with in the early days of the University. Both students and faculty had a healty respect for her, and few dared to cross her, including Chancellors, with whom Miss Smith had more than one disagreement. An unavoidable figure in the Registrar's office, Miss Smith came into contact with all University students as they registered for classes and prepared their schedules. Fondly remembered in spite of her terrifying demeanor, the house purchased for women's programs was named Ellen Smith Hall in her honor at the suggestion of the Lincoln chapter of the Association of Collegiate Alumnae in 1920.