Martha Louisa Cocke

Martha "Matty" Louisa Cocke (October 9, 1855 – August 15, 1938) was an American educator known for being the president of Hollins College, the first woman college president in Virginia.

Early life and education Cocke was born in 1855 to Charles Lewis Cocke and Susanna Virginia Pleasants Cocke, one of nine children. Her father was the superintendent of the Hollins Institute which he had founded, and the family lived on the grounds.

Cocke assumed the presidency but shied away from public events and functions. Despite this, she was well-liked on campus. Students named a short-lived literary society for her and beginning in 1930 would sing to her every year on her birthday. She is listed on the Wall of Honor of the Virginia Women's Monument.