Mary Louise Smith Chair in Women and Politics
The Mary Louise Smith Chair in Women and Politics was announced by Iowa State
University in October 1995 to honor the Iowa native and longtime political and
civic leader. Mary Louise Smith - the first and only woman to chair the Republican
National Party - was a mentor, friend and role model to many in the world of
politics and civic, government and community affairs.
The purpose of the chair is to bring nationally renowned political leaders,
scholars and activists to Iowa State University to enrich the experiences of
students and educate citizens about the role of women in the political process.
Following in the footsteps of Mary Louise, the chair serves as an inspiration
and role model for students as well as members of the university and Iowa communities.
Complete
listing of Mary Louise Smith Chair in Women and Politics.
Mary Louise Smith
Mary Louise Smith, the first and only woman to chair the Republican National
Committee, devoted more than 60 years to improving the political process at
the local, state and national level. A native of Eddyville, Iowa, Smith began
working in politics in the 1930s in Eagle Grove. Although she twice ran for
and won a seat on the Eagle Grove School Board, she decided that the organizational
work of politics most appealed to her.
In 1964, Smith was elected as Republican national committeewoman for Iowa and
served until 1984. In 1976, Smith became the first woman to organize and call
to order a national presidential nominating convention of a major U.S. political
party. She served as national chairman of the Republican Party from 1974-1977.
While remaining active in politics, Smith also began working in a wide range
of civic, government and community affairs. She was a founding member of the
Iowa Women's Political Caucus, Iowa Peace Institute and Iowa Women's Archives.
Smith served as a board member, director or trustee of the Alliance for Arts
and Understanding, the Chrysalis Foundation, Des Moines Human Rights Commission,
Drake University, Republican Mainstream Committee, University of Iowa Foundation,
Robert A. Taft Institute of Government, Hoover Presidential Library Association,
Planned Parenthood of Greater Iowa, National Women's Political Caucus, National
Conference on Christians and Jews, and the U.S. Peace Institute.
Throughout her work, Smith was praised for her grace, intellect and integrity
and for her commitment to fairness, human rights and equal opportunity. She
was the epitome of a political leader and community activist, inspiring others
to work to improve the political process, government and society.
In 1995, Iowa State University and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
established the Mary Louise Smith Chair in Women and Politics to honor Smith
and carry on her legacy. Funds generated by the endowment are used to bring
nationally renowned political leaders, scholars or activists to Iowa State each
year. Following in Smith's footsteps, the Chair serves as a leader, mentor and
role model.
