M. Elizabeth Tidball

M. Elizabeth Tidball

M. Elizabeth Tidball was an American physiologist and educator known for her research on the academic achievements of women, particularly in single-sex educational environments. She was a professor at The George Washington University and a prominent advocate for women's education.

Early Life and Education

M. Elizabeth Tidball was born in 1929 in Cleveland, Ohio. She attended Oberlin College, where she earned her bachelor's degree in 1949. She then pursued her graduate studies at The University of Wisconsin-Madison, earning a master's degree in 1951 and a Ph.D. in physiology in 1955.

Academic Career

Tidball began her academic career as a faculty member at The George Washington University in 1959. She was a professor of physiology and later became the chair of the Department of Physiology. Her research focused on the physiological differences between men and women and the impact of single-sex education on women's academic achievements.

Research on Women's Education

Tidball is best known for her pioneering research on the benefits of single-sex education for women. Her studies demonstrated that women who attended women's colleges were more likely to achieve higher academic success and pursue advanced degrees compared to their counterparts at coeducational institutions. This research provided significant support for the value of women's colleges and contributed to the broader discussion on gender and education.

Advocacy and Impact

Throughout her career, Tidball was a vocal advocate for women's education and gender equality in academia. She published numerous articles and presented her findings at conferences, influencing educational policies and practices. Her work helped to highlight the importance of providing supportive educational environments for women and contributed to the ongoing efforts to promote gender equity in education.

Awards and Honors

Tidball received several awards and honors for her contributions to physiology and women's education. She was recognized by various academic and professional organizations for her research and advocacy work.

Later Life and Legacy

M. Elizabeth Tidball retired from The George Washington University in 1994. She continued to be active in the academic community, mentoring young scholars and advocating for women's education. Tidball passed away in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of significant contributions to the fields of physiology and women's education.

See Also

• Single-sex education
• Women's colleges in the United States
• Gender and education
• The George Washington University
• Oberlin College
• The University of Wisconsin-Madison