Innovation at Bryn Mawr
From its founding as the first women's college in the United States to offer students the opportunity to earn a Ph.D., Bryn Mawr College has been a place where innovation flourishes.
Over the next twelve months, Bryn Mawr will celebrate milestone anniversaries of a number of innovative programs that have had an outsized impact on Bryn Mawr and on the larger world of higher education and research.
Below is just a sampling of the history of innovation at Bryn Mawr and the more recent innovations propelling the College's future.
Growth and Structure of Cities
“Cities” is a unique interdisciplinary major that draws upon faculty across the College as well as members of what is now an independent department, and educates students to consider the relationship of the built environment to social, economic, political, and cultural conditions of urban life.
The Enhancing Diversity in Graduate Education Program
"We should not lose sight of their incredible vision that began at a very different time, in a higher education environment that was not talking about equity and inclusion,"—Bryn Mawr Former President Kim Cassidy.
The EDGE (Enhancing Diversity in Graduate Education) Program celebrates its 25th anniversary during 2022-2023. EDGE was founded by Professor Emeritus of Mathematics Rhonda Hughes and Sylvia Bozeman, Professor Emeritus at Spelman College, to increase gender and racial equity in the mathematics community with summer and mentoring programs to support the retention and success of women in graduate study and in their subsequent careers. As of this summer, 125 EDGE summer program participants have completed the Ph.D.—with many more to come.
Professor Hughes and Professor Bozeman recognized structural and cultural barriers that affected persistence and success in mathematics for so many, and took action to create structural change and networks of support. The success of this program and its contribution to excellence in the field has truly been remarkable in its impact.
Postbac Program
Bryn Mawr has ensured that countless talented individuals, bringing a wealth of experience beyond STEM, are now contributing to the care of patients and the advancement of medical science.
Bryn Mawr Classical Review
The Bryn Mawr Classical Review, or BMCR, is the oldest continuously operating open access humanities journal in the world, and the second humanities journal ever published in electronic form.
Bryn Mawr Former President Kim Cassidy"BMCR exemplifies Bryn Mawr’s dedication to excellence in the humanities as a core of the liberal arts and our commitment to maximize the impact of the scholarly work that lies at the heart of our mission and purpose."
Contact Us
College Communications
Are you involved in an innovative project, initiative, or class?
Let us know about it!
Email: communications@brynmawr.edu