Breaking barriers, shaping futures: Honoring women who built MUSC

Every March, Women’s History Month provides an opportunity to recognize, honor and celebrate the contributions of women throughout history. At MUSC, women have played a vital role in shaping our institution, from pioneering educators and groundbreaking researchers to dedicated caregivers and influential leaders.

This month, we reflect on the legacy of visionary women whose work has left a lasting impact on health care, education and science. We would be remiss not to recognize the fact that countless women – past and present – have helped to shape MUSC into what it is today. This year, we chose to highlight four extraordinary women whose contributions broke barriers and paved the way for future generations.

Additionally, please don’t miss the Waring Historical Library series where they honor generations of extraordinary MUSC woman – from our first female graduate to the trailblazers of today.

Marguerite Andell: A nursing torchbearer

One such trailblazer is Marguerite Andell, R.N., a true pioneer in nursing and the longest-serving director of nursing, leading from 1924 to 1948. A 1914 graduate of Roper Hospital Training School for Nurses, Andell’s career spanned general duty, private duty and public health nursing before she stepped into leadership. As superintendent of nurses and director of the Roper Hospital Training School, she pushed reforms ahead of her time, such as replacing the grueling 10-hour day shift and 12-hour night duty with the now-standard eight-hour day. Her legacy is one of dedication, innovation and advocacy, shaping modern nursing as we know it.

Rosslee Tenetha Green Douglas: Breaking barriers in nursing and public health

Building on the legacy of strong nursing leaders, Rosslee Tenetha Green Douglas made history in 1972 as the first African American graduate of the MUSC College of Nursing. She went on to serve as an administrator for the Franklin Fetter Family Health Center, where she played a pivotal role in establishing regulations for licensing home health care agencies in South Carolina. Her leadership extended beyond health care and into national policy. On May 29, 1981, she was sworn in as director of the Office of Minority Economic Impact at the U.S. Department of Energy. This appointment made her the first African American woman appointed to a position in President Ronald Reagan administration. Douglas’ legacy is one of breaking barriers, shaping policy and advocating for health care equity – a true inspiration for generations to come.

Maxine Larisey, Ph.D.: A visionary in science and education

While Douglas transformed the landscapes of nursing and public health, Maxine Larisey, Ph.D., paved the way in botany and pharmacognosy. Born in Terre Haute, Indiana, in 1909, Larisey earned her A.B., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in botany from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. She dedicated her career to education, teaching botany at Washington University, Wellesley College and Judson College, where she also served as chair of the Division of Science. Her groundbreaking work continued when she arrived at MUSC in 1947, becoming its first female professor. She later joined the College of Pharmacy as a professor of biology and pharmacognosy, where she taught botany until her retirement in 1975. Larisey’s legacy as a trailblazer in science and education continues to inspire generations of students and scholars.

Isabel Lockard, Ph.D.: A legacy in anatomy and neuroscience

Another groundbreaking scholar, Isabel Lockard, Ph.D., left a profound mark on anatomy and neuroscience at MUSC. After earning her Ph.D. in anatomy from the University of Michigan, Lockard served on the faculty at Georgetown University, where she taught from 1947 to 1952. She then joined the Medical College of South Carolina’s Department of Anatomy as an assistant professor, becoming only the second full-time female faculty member in the College of Medicine. Lockard was also a pioneering neuroanatomist, the first at MUSC to retain tenure in the field long term. She was promoted to professor in 1969, a title she held until her retirement as Professor Emeritus in 1985. In 1999, in recognition of her outstanding contributions, MUSC honored her with the Distinguished Faculty Service Award. Her legacy as a dedicated educator and groundbreaking scientist continues to inspire future generations of medical professionals

For information, visit the Waring Historic Library.