Emalea Pusey Warner by Stanley Arthurs

Emalea Pusey Warner was a major force in the establishment of the Women’s College of the University of Delaware. In 1911, she was appointed as the Chair of a committee organized by the State Federation of Women’s Clubs, which lobbied and organized the effort to start a Women’s College in Delaware. Following a call by Delaware College President Harter to garner interest in higher education for women in Delaware, Mrs. Warner began lobbying the Delaware Senate, Delaware College, and private businesses for funding to build and open a Women’s College in Newark.

In 1928, Mrs. Warner was appointed to the University of Delaware Board of Trustees. She served on the Board until 1942 and was the first woman to hold such a position. In 1934, as part of the University's Centenary Celebration she was awarded the University of Delaware Medal of Honor for her distinguished service to both the Women’s College and the University.

Warner Hall, formerly known as Residence Hall and one of the original buildings of the Women's College campus, was renamed in her honor in 1936.

More about Emalea Pusey Warner:

Beneath Thy Guiding Hand: A History of Women at the University of Delaware by Carol E. Hoffecker

The University of Delaware: A History by Dr John A. Munroe