Matthews, Mary Lockwood, 1882 -

Biographical Information

Mary Lockwood Matthews was born in 1882 to Harriet Matthews. She was later adopted by agricultural pioneer Virginia Meredith, who was a friend of her mother's. She joined the Purdue faculty in 1910 as an extension home economics instructor. In 1912, she was named head of the Department of Household Economics, which expanded to become the School of Home Economics in 1926. At its founding, Matthews was the dean- a tribute to her work in advocating for the creation of the school and to advance educational opportunities for women students. Matthews was instrumental in the creation of a home economics building, constructed in 1922 and named in her honor. The School has since been described as a "strong pillar of American home economics education." Mary Matthews is also credited for the invention of "Master Mix," a concoction created in the home economics labs at Purdue which was utilized by homemakers for the quick and easy preparation of baked goods. After serving at Purdue nearly fifty years as a faculty member, Mathews retired in 1958, earning the title Dean Emeritus. Matthews published many books and articles on foods and cookery, textiles, and home economics education. Over the course of her career, she was a fierce advocate for women's education and the recognition of the importance of women's work. Mary Matthews died in 1968.

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