A Founder and a Scholar: Delta Sigma Theta Founder Dr. Eliza Pearl Shippen’s Dissertation

Written for Watch The Yard by Kamaria S. Hill

Born in Washington, DC, Dr. Eliza Pearl Shippen was a respected educator and co-founder of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She graduated first in her class from Miner Normal School in 1906, and magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Howard University in June 1912.

In 1928, Dr. Shippen earned a Master of Arts degree in education from the Columbia University Teachers College. In 1944, she earned a doctorate in English literature from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Shippen’s research centered the role of Christian philosophy and morality in literary works. She emphasized rigorous English literature and pedagogy training, establishing national models for Black teacher preparation to increase Black literacy rates during the Jim Crow era.

She taught in the D.C. public schools to Miner Teachers College, where she was dean of women. She taught English at Miner Teachers College which became part of D.C. Teachers College, until her retirement in 1954. D.C. Teachers College later was merged into the University of the District of Columbia.

Founder Eliza Pearl Shippen was a Charter Member of the Washington DC Alumnae Chapter, the sorority’s second oldest graduate chapter, and was an active member until her death on May 17, 1981. She was 93 years old.

In 1988, under the leadership of WDCAC President, Dr. Gwendolyn E. Boyd, the chapter established an award in her honor to acknowledge a Soror who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, service, and impact in the community.