Edna Renard Voss

The correspondence between Dr. Anna J. McKeag and Miss Edna Renard Voss, which extended from June 25, 1912, until June 29, 1914, is characterized by deep respect and high regard for each other’s accomplishments. Miss Voss, who taught mathematics during the 1912-1913 academic year and English during the 1913-1914 academic year, had an educational preparation different from that of most of her contemporaries teaching at Wilson College at that time. A graduate of Washington High School in Washington, D.C. in 1897, she then graduated from a Normal School in 1899. Following her graduation, until 1907, she taught grades one through six. During that time, she took special work in mathematics and English at George Washington University and took summer courses in mathematics at Harvard Summer School. In 1907 she went to Teachers College at Columbia University and earned her B.S. degree in 1908. In 1908-1909, she was student assistant in the psychology department at Teachers College, and in 1909, she earned her master’s degree in mathematics from Teachers College. During the academic year 1909-1910, she took a substitute position in the mathematics department of Mankato State Normal School in Mankato, Minnesota. In 1910-1911, she taught mathematics at the Mary Baldwin School in Staunton, Virginia.

Thirty-three years old when she applied to teach at Wilson in 1912, she was hired at a salary of $800 and housing for one year to substitute for Miss Charlotte Davison, a mathematics instructor who was on a one-year leave. Whether Miss Davison would return to Wilson was a question for some time. During the second semester of that first year, Dr. McKeag wrote glowing letters about her teaching to schools to which Miss Voss applied for appointment for the following year. Dr. McKeag also wrote to Miss Voss to say that, if Miss Davison did not return, she would like Miss Voss to remain in the mathematics department at a salary of $900 and housing, or that she would like Miss Voss to remain on the faculty in the English department at a salary of $900 and housing. She explained the increase of salary was a result of the endowment that made possible a “larger salary than could be given in other departments.” As a result of this offer, Miss Voss taught English during her second year.

In addition to her teaching during the summers of 1913 and 1914 at Dr. McKeag’s request, she endeavored to recruit students in the Washington area for Wilson. Unfortunately, she became ill in the summer of 1913 and could not continue her efforts. Dr. McKeag was understanding and concerned about Miss Voss’ health.

In their letters, Dr. McKeag and Miss Voss always expressed kind feelings, graciousness, and respect. When Miss Voss became ill in the spring of 1914 and when her mother became ill, Dr. McKeag was again compassionate and assured her that those in the college would assume her teaching responsibilities. Their letters reveal a cordial relationship between administrator and teacher.