Portrait of Permeal Jane French (1867-1954)

Permeal Jane French was the first woman elected to state office in Idaho and was considered one of the best known and best loved educators in Idaho of her time. She was the Superintendent of Public Instruction in the state from 1899-1903 and the first Dean of Women at the University of Idaho, serving from 1908-1936.

As dean, she established many traditions at the University, including women’s residence halls. During the Depression, when parents were sending sons, not daughters, to college, she toured the state to lecture on the importance of education for women. Born May 8, 1867 in Idaho City, she graduated from the College of Notre Dame in San Francisco in 1887. She taught in Hailey and Silver City, Idaho and held master’s degrees from the University of Idaho and George Washington University. French retired in 1936 with the title of Dean of Women, Emeritus. - Annie

From the University of Idaho Historical Photographs Collection.