Division of Campus Life
Sarah Doyle Center for Women and Gender

Who was Sarah Doyle?

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Who was Sarah Doyle?

In 1894, Sarah Elizabeth Doyle became the first woman to receive an honorary degree from Brown in recognition of her commitment to the education of women.

Sarah Doyle led the campaign to admit women to Brown, and she formed the Rhode Island Society for the Collegiate Education of Women for the purpose of raising the funds for a full women’s college at Brown. That group raised the money to build Pembroke Hall, the first permanent building of the Brown Women’s College, renamed Pembroke College in 1928. 

Sarah Doyle also served as the Girls’ Principal at Providence High School from 1878-1892. Women of Brown United, in proposing a women’s center in response to the merger of Pembroke College with the men’s college at Brown, honored Doyle’s life-long commitment to equity in education by naming the women’s center after her.

Learn More About the Center

About

The mission of the Sarah Doyle Center for Women and Gender is to engage the campus community through a feminist praxis of activism and academics.

Center Staff

With a distinct set of skills, experiences, and passions, Sarah Doyle Center staff are committed to fostering an inclusive and empowering environment.

Get Involved

There are several ways to become more involved with the community at Sarah Doyle Center, including subscribing to our newsletter, exploring our social media channels, and joining our team as a student coordinator.