Centennial Celebration: Women in Science and Medicine at UVA Reach Milestone with Majority Female Class

Women in Science and Medicine at UVA recently reached a significant milestone, as they have been actively involved in the university’s schools of science and medicine for a century. On Thursday, their accomplishments and growth within the institution were celebrated.

The journey began in January of 1920 when the Board of Visitors passed a resolution allowing women to be admitted into graduate programs and professional schools. That year, 17 women joined the university, with four of them enrolling in the school of medicine. Fast forward to today, the UVA School of Medicine Class of 2027 is majority female, with 53% of the class comprising of women.

Dr. Alyssa Cole Mixon and Dr. Kathryn Xixis expressed their excitement about the increasing impact of women at UVA. Mixon shared her hope for more gender equity within the university and across the nation, as well as a desire to see more women in leadership roles.

The celebration on Thursday included a historical walking tour of UVA’s Grounds focused on women, as well as a panel discussion featuring women leaders from UVA Health. These events highlighted the contributions and achievements of women in science and medicine at UVA over the past century and looked towards the future of gender equality and leadership within the institution.