Another notable woman to include in West Chester University’s Women’s History Month is Dorothy Ramsey, Assistant Professor of English, West Chester State College, 1928-1961.
Miss Ramsey was born in New York City on December 29, 1896 to her parents, Rebekah Evans Roberts, and noted artist Milne Ramsey. Miss Ramsey received her Bachelor’s degree (1919), and later her Master’s degree, from the University of Pennsylvania.
She began her teaching career at West Chester State Normal School in 1928 as an English professor. During her 33-year distinguished career at West Chester, Miss Ramsey was the faculty advisor to the student literary magazine, ”The Purple and Gold.” Later, she was the faculty advisor to the new student newspaper, the “Quad Angles,” which is now known as “The Quad.”
Dorothy Ramsey was also very active in the college’s dramatic programs. She wrote, directed, designed, and made costumes for many student shows. She was also a distinguished author, playwright, and poet. Several of her works can be found in the stacks of the Francis Harvey Green Library.
A Shakespearean scholar, in 1952, Professor Ramsey became the curator of the college’s recently acquired Shakespeare Folios. She wrote a very informative guide for the college’s Shakespeare Folios that is still 
used today.
1961, Miss Ramsey retired from the college. She was one of the most respected and popular faculty members among colleagues and students alike. In honor of her outstanding work and devotion to West Chester State College, Miss Ramsey was awarded the title Professor Emeritus in 1966.
In 1967, a new dormitory on campus was named in her honor. Ramsey Hall stood on the grounds where the Student Recreation Center now stands.
Dorothy Ramsey died at her home in West Chester on April 30, 1974. Her home was just one block from the dormitory named in her honor.
Her survivors included her adopted daughter, Mary Dietrich.
Blog post written by Neal Kenney, Interlibrary Loan and Special Collections Library Assistant.
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