In 1901, most women didn’t attend college. Ours went to grad school.
Just like yours, our story is a unique one.
In a time when she could not even vote, Indiana Fletcher Williams wanted more for women. When she died in 1900, she left her estate to found an institution in memory of her daughter Daisy, who died at the age of 16.
Sweet Briar opened in 1906 with 51 students. The A.B. degree was immediately recognized by graduate programs at leading universities — and three of the College’s first five graduates went on to pursue advanced degrees.
In 2015, when its administration attempted to close Sweet Briar, our alumnae took charge. They fought back in the courts and on social media. In keeping with Sweet Briar’s tradition of educating women to get things done, they delivered.
Today, Sweet Briar continues the traditions of the Honor Code and self-governance pioneered by Sweet Briar’s very first class. Our roots are strong and run deep.