Marie Hilson Katzenbach
Appointed to the State Board of Education Katzenbach became one of the first two women in the State Board of Education. She eventually rose through the ranks to become its first female president. During her tenure on the board, Katzenbach played a crucial role in the formation of the state college system. For instance, Katzenbach helped transform three two-year schools into four-year state colleges. An additional three state colleges were founded as a result of her fruitful reign. Katzenbach was active on the board for 44 years
Elected as vice-president of the State Constitutional Convention in 1947, Katzenbach was responsible for altering the language of the New Jersey Constitution to ensure that women were considered “persons” under state law. Katzenbach also dedicated 50 years of service as a board member to the New Jersey School for the Deaf which, in 1965, was renamed in her honor. Her lifelong commitment to education was officially recognized in 1960 when Katzenbach was presented with the first annual Higher Education Service Award.
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References:
Burstyn, Joan N. 1990. “Marie Louise Hilson Katzenbach”. Past and Promise, Lives of New Jersey Women. http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/54795036
Questions to Explore
How was Katzenbach able to transform three two-year schools into four-year state colleges?
How did Katzenbach ensure women were considered “persons” under state law?
How did Katzenbach support the New Jersey School for the deaf?
Additional Resources
Katzenbach School News. West Trenton, N.J: Marie H. Katzenbach School for the Deaf, 1980.
Marie H. Katzenbach School for the Deaf (Trenton N.J.) and New Jersey. 1983. Marie H. Katzenbach School for the Deaf Program Overview. Trenton N.J: New Jersey Dept. of Education. https://www.worldcat.org/title/9301416
Lenox, J., and R. Hamilton. “Mediated Career Education at the Marie H. Katzenbach School for the Deaf.” American Annals of the Deaf (Washington, D.C. 1886) 118, no. 5 (1973): 531–37.