Laura Carnell: The Woman Behind the Founder's Myth at Temple University

Abstract

Using archival materials from the early years of Temple University's history at the Special Collections Research Center, Templana Collection, at Samuel Paley Library of Temple University as well as historical periodicals, this project established a biographical sketch of Associate President Laura Carnell and examined her influence on the advancement and expansion of Temple University at the turn of the 20th century, as well as her broader impact on women's leadership roles in higher education, and to a lesser extent, her contribution to various civic causes in Philadelphia. Laura Carnell held various leadership positions at Temple University during her 43 year career at a time when few women even attended college. In addition to her important role at Temple and in the public education movement, Laura Carnell was also involved in several other social causes in Philadelphia including healthcare, human services, and several civic groups. This study examined how her role changed over time, and utilized the Kouzes and Posner (2006) Leadership Practice Inventory to analyze how her leadership of Temple University was demonstrated in her writings. Carnell used traditional gender roles, including masking her gender when necessary, to move the university agenda forward.