Papers of Theodosia G. Ammons

In 1895, Theodosia G. Ammons co-established the Department of Domestic Economy at Colorado State University with Eliza Routt, a member of the State Board of Agriculture. Ammons began her career at the college as an instructor, was promoted to faculty status by 1900, and was named the Dean of Woman's Work in 1902. She holds the dual distinctions of being the first faculty member in the department and the first female dean of Colorado State University.

Theodosia Grace Ammons was born in North Carolina, circa 1862. Her family moved to Denver, Colorado, in 1871. In 1883, she graduated from Denver High School and was employed as a school teacher for several years afterwards. Ammons worked tirelessly for women's suffrage throughout her life. She met Eliza Routt in Denver; they shared a passion for women's equal rights and education. They established a friendship through their work.

Eliza Routt was the first female member of the State Board of Agriculture and probably suggested Miss Ammons for the position of instructor in the college's new department. Ammons received no formal training beyond high school. She read about the latest discoveries, communicated with instructors of similar programs around the country, and relied on the knowledge and skills instilled by her mother.

Theodosia Ammons built a strong foundation for the domestic economy program, quickly achieved faculty status, and a few years later became a dean at the college. By 1902, the department was renamed the Department of Domestic Science. Ammons was a member of several women's clubs and corresponded frequently with other members regarding activities in Colorado and the nation. In 1902, she was Colorado's representative to the National Convention of delegates of Woman Suffrage in Washington, D.C. She served as Principal of the Chautauqua School of Domestic Economy and built a model cottage for efficient summer living at Colorado Chautauqua, named the Gwenthean cottage. She was state lecturer of the Colorado State Grange for several years until her death. Her father was a Baptist minister and she was involved with the church throughout her life.

Ammons was ill for several years before her death in Denver on July 17, 1907. Many people described her as a second mother to the young ladies in her department. One tribute noted that Ammons strengthened the character of all young women in Colorado through her work. She was survived by her sisters Anna J. Ammons and Gwendolin McLaughlin and her brother Elias M. Ammons. A third sister, Farita H. Polhamus died two weeks earlier.

Colorado State University's Ammons Hall, also known as the Welcome Center, was named for Elias M. Ammons. He served as governor of Colorado from 1913 through 1915 and supported the construction of the building. His son Teller Ammons served as governor of Colorado from 1937 through 1939. Several descendants of the Ammons family continue to reside in Colorado.