June Rose Colby

June Rose Colby (June 4, 1856 – May 11, 1941) was an American professor of literature. She was the first female faculty member and third woman hired as an instructor at Illinois State Normal University, and was a supporter of the Suffragist movement.

Early life and education She was born on June 4, 1856, in Cherry Valley, Ohio, She left for further education at the Harvard Annex, now called Radcliffe College, then transferred back to the University of Michigan where she received an A.M. degree. There are also multiple recorded letters between herself and Julia Ward Howe.