Geneva May Smith was a member of the Plymouth faculty from the time of Plymouth Normal School in 1924 until her retirement from Plymouth State College in 1966. She was known as “Miss Mathematics” and for her “alert manner and quick wit”. She taught in a field dominated by men, and according to one source, was advised not to pursue her doctorate, even though she had completed the coursework because “a woman with a doctorate in math would not be employable”. She encouraged all students to pursue mathematics and sciences as a result of the “Space Race” and the National Defense Education Act of 1958. In January of 1968, the new women’s dormitory was named for Geneva Smith.

Materials compiled by Ashley Pistorino, Spinelli Archives intern and PSU class of 2010, are on display at the Lamson Library and Learning Commons.