First female president of a major Ivy League university

The first female president of a major Ivy League university was Elizabeth Garrett, who took office at Cornell University in 2015. This marked a significant milestone in higher education, as Ivy League institutions had historically been led by men. Garrett's appointment symbolized progress towards gender equality in leadership roles within prestigious universities. She focused on enhancing academic programs, diversity, and accessibility in education. Although her tenure was cut short by her passing in 2016, her role opened doors for future female leaders in academia, inspiring greater representation and inclusion in university governance.