Janet Spens: the scholar who carved out space for women’s voices
Janet Spens never set out to make history. She followed her love of learning wherever it led. In doing so she dismantled barriers that had stood for generations. With intellect, determination and a quiet confidence in her abilities she became one of the University’s first female academics and the first woman to earn a DLitt at Glasgow.
Born in Hamilton in 1876 she was educated in Edinburgh before completing her studies in Glasgow and graduating MA in 1899. In 1903 she and Margaret Hannan Watson founded Laurel Bank School for Girls which was the first school created by Scottish women graduates.
Spens moved into higher education soon after. In 1908 she became Assistant to Professor Macneile Dixon in English Language and Literature and in 1909 she was appointed Tutor to women students in Arts. Along with Agnes Picken who supported Queen Margaret College students in Science and Medicine she was among the first women to join the University’s academic staff. In 1910 she became the first woman to be awarded a DLitt by the University.
She later spent 25 years teaching at Lady Margaret Hall in Oxford and continued to educate students well into her seventies.
Today we share Janet Spens’ story because behind every door opened in education is a scholar whose work helps shape a University committed to being the best for the world.
