Helen Metcalf Danforth

Helen Metcalf Danforth (1887–1984; née Helen Pierce Metcalf) was an American university president. From 1931 to 1947, she served as the President of Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).

Early life Helen Metcalf Danforth was born September 3, 1887, in Providence, Rhode Island, to parents Esther (née Pierce) and Stephen Olney Metcalf. Her paternal grandmother was Helen Rowe Metcalf, the founder of Rhode Island School of Design (RISD); her paternal aunt was Eliza G. Radeke, a former RISD president; and her paternal uncle was Jesse H. Metcalf, a United States Senator. Her father Stephen had worked as a treasurer at RISD.

She attended St. Timothy's School in Maryland.

Career In 1931, Danforth was elected as the 8th President of Rhode Island School of Design, succeeding her aunt, Eliza G. Radeke. During her time as President, Danforth introduced the degree program (1932), and turned it into an accredited college program (1949).

Helen Metcalf Danforth died on October 18, 1984 in Providence. Her burial was in Swan Point Cemetery.

Danforth was elected to the Rhode Island Women's Heritage Hall of Fame in 1998.