Wesleyan Women Make History
Watch Her Make History
Wesleyan College in Macon, GA was the first college in the world chartered to grant degrees to women—and the trailblazing continues. Now, a new generation of Wesleyan women is breaking barriers, claiming space and taking that legacy to the ice.
Be there as the Wesleyan Wolves make women’s sports history. Cheer loudly, celebrate boldly and witness the power, determination and unstoppable spirit of women moving the game forward. This isn’t just a first season—it’s the next chapter in a legacy built by women who refuse to wait for history. They make it.
The First of Its Kind
At a time when opportunities for women to pursue higher education were limited, Wesleyan helped change what was possible. Its founders established a college with the authority to grant the same kind of degrees traditionally offered by colleges and universities — a groundbreaking idea in the 1830s.
Classes began in 1839, and just one year later, Catherine Elizabeth Brewer became the first woman to receive a documented college degree from Wesleyan.
And Wesleyan's history is filled with other firsts.
A New Chapter for Women
In 1851, Wesleyan students founded the Adelphean Society, which became Alpha Delta Pi, recognized as the first secret society for college women. Wesleyan also established America's first professorship in English literature in 1844.
For Wesleyan, going first became more than a moment in history. It became part of the College's identity.
The Wesleyan College Historic District, located on the College's Rivoli Campus, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, preserving an important part of the College's story and Macon's architectural heritage.
Still Breaking New Ground
Nearly two centuries after Wesleyan first opened its doors, the College is still creating new opportunities for women to lead, compete and make their mark.
In 2026, Wesleyan expanded its athletic offerings with competition cheerleading, flag football and wrestling, with rugby scheduled to begin competition in 2027. The College also welcomed its inaugural women's hockey team, the first women's college hockey team in Middle Georgia.
Now, women’s hockey joins the lineup.
Come Witness History
On Sunday, September 27, the inaugural Wesleyan women’s hockey team will face the Georgia Southern Eagles in an exhibition game at the Macon Coliseum.
For Wesleyan, it’s the beginning of something brand new. For Middle Georgia, it’s a chance to witness history as the region’s first women’s college hockey team takes the ice for the first time.
And for a college that has been making history for women for nearly 190 years, this is more than a first game. It’s the latest chapter in a legacy built on breaking barriers, creating opportunities and being willing to go first.
The first college in the world chartered to grant degrees to women. The first documented college degree awarded to a woman. The birthplace of a pioneering women's society.
And nearly 190 years later, still making history.
