Anna McGovern was born July 4, 1853. She was one of the first two students who graduated from UNI with a bachelor's degree. The photo to the right shows her as a student in 1879.

After she graduated, she was hired by UNI as the first permanent woman faculty member. She remained in this position, earning the rank of professor, from 1881 to 1919.

Below is a photo of McGovern when she was teaching at the school. She was well-respected by all who knew her. She died in 1946.

Compiled by Susan Witthoft; edited by Gerald L. Peterson
Special Collections and University Archives
January 1996