Helen Mary Smith (1870-1955) was a Cleveland native. She was a member of the fourth graduating class of the Collge for Women. She received her B.S. in 1894 and the following year began teaching English at Central High School, where she remained until 1914. As a student and young woman, she was active in athletics and at the turn of the century, she and a partner teams to become tennis doubles champions of the city.

In 1914, she accepted the post of Dean of the College for Women where she served until her retirement in 1941. During her administration, enrollment and endowment of the College increased more than six-fold. She worked diligently throughout her deanship to maintain high educational standards and to broaden curriculum. She was active in development the University's Squire Vallivue Farm and in furthering the vocational counseling of students.

Smith House is named in her honor.

• Above text taken from The Housing Web Site.

Preceded by: Rush S. Hutchison

Dean of the College for Women 1914–1941

Succeeded by: Eleanor F. Dolan