Priscilla Braislin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Priscilla Braislin
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | July 1838 |
| Died | December 15, 1888 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Educator |
| Spouse(s) | Timothy Merrick (1887-1888, her death) |
Priscilla Harris Braislin Merrick (born July 1838 – died December 15, 1888) was a very important educator. She made history as the first professor of mathematics at Vassar College. This was a big step for women in education.
Priscilla's Early Life
Priscilla Braislin grew up in Burlington, New Jersey. She was the oldest of six children in her family.
Teaching at Vassar College
Around 1865, Priscilla Braislin started teaching mathematics at Vassar College. She worked in the Department of Mathematics, Natural Philosophy, and Chemistry.
In 1874, the head of her department stepped down. Priscilla then became the leader of the new Department of Mathematics. She was first named an instructor of mathematics.
A year later, in 1875, she was officially chosen as a professor of mathematics. This was a huge achievement! She was the first professor in her department. She was also the first female professor at Vassar College.
Priscilla Braislin was one of the very first women to become a mathematics professor in the United States. Another early female math professor was Susan Jane Cunningham, who taught at Swarthmore College starting in 1871.
Priscilla left Vassar College in 1887. She married Timothy Merrick, a successful businessman from Holyoke, Massachusetts. Sadly, she passed away the next year, on December 15, 1888, from heart disease at her home in Holyoke. Her funeral was held a few days later.
Priscilla's Legacy
Priscilla Braislin's work continued to inspire others. In 1889, a school for girls was opened in Bordentown, New Jersey. It was called the Priscilla Braislin School for Girls. Priscilla's two sisters, Alice G. Braislin and Mary Braislin Cooke, ran the school.
