Alice Louise Reynolds

Alice Louise Reynolds (April 1, 1873 – December 5, 1938) was a Brigham Young University (BYU) professor. Reynolds furthered her studies out east, receiving a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan. She taught college-level courses at Brigham Young Academy until it dissolved into BYU, and she was the first woman to do so. She worked to establish the library at Brigham Young Academy, and through her efforts, she was able to collect over 100,000 donated volumes. She worked as an editor for the Relief Society Magazine and contributed to other Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints-affiliated magazines. Reynolds was an outspoken Democrat and served on the party's committee and as a delegate to the party's national convention. Reynolds died in 1938 of cancer.

Childhood and education Reynolds was born in Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, United States, to George Reynolds and Mary Ann Tuddenham. Her father, George Reynolds, was a Seventy in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), a longtime secretary to the First Presidency of the church, and manager of the Salt Lake Theatre. When Alice was six years old, George was incarcerated for two years because he practiced plural marriage.

At the age of four she attended a private school taught by Izzie Calder, daughter of David O. Calder. At age 12, Alice's mother died in childbirth. She graduated from BYA in 1890.

After teaching for two years, the president of BYA, Benjamin Cluff, suggested that she establish a literature department at BYA after furthering her studies. In 1894, she received the promised faculty appointment at BYA.

She received a Bachelor of Pedagogy degree in 1895, Despite her reputation for absent-mindedness, Reynolds exuded confidence and self-respect. In the mid-20th century several cities in Utah, including St. George, had women's literary clubs named after Reynolds.

Starting in 1978, women in Provo revived the Alice Louise Reynolds club in the form of the Alice Louise Reynolds forum, which discussed issues related to Mormon feminism, including their support for the Equal Rights Amendment. In 1984, they changed their name to the Algie Eggertsen Ballif forum.

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Articles

The Editor Abroad