The Flagstaff Chapter of AAUW was founded in 1935 by Dr. Agnes Allen who was a professor of geology at Arizona State Teacher’s College. She later became the first Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences when ASC became Northern Arizona University in 1966.  The first members (all 18) were mostly College faculty and wives of professional men in town.  Their mission was to advocate for improvements in Flagstaff life including children’s health, city-wide sanitation, library promotion, promote cultural opportunities and citizen engagement with civic matters.  They were dedicated to influencing policy groups that, at the time, were closed to women such as local councils, county government and school boards.  They conducted tours of blighted areas, health and dental clinics were held for children, and beautification efforts raised money for nearly 400 trees planted around the city.  Streets and pocket parks still bear the fruits of their labor today.

Since it’s early days, the Flagstaff Chapter has grown to include retirees, undergraduate and graduate students, as well as teachers and faculty members from our local schools.  Our mission has grown as has that of the National AAUW to include educating citizens on local, state and national issues that affect the daily lives of women and girls.  Fund raising for scholarships that empower women has been the main focus of the Flagstaff Branch for many years.  We endeavor to support young women, but also the returning, older student who is advancing her education after family and other responsibilities interrupted her studies