In Memoriam: Beverly Prosser Gelwick, 1932-2023

Beverly P. Gelwick, a scholar who led student counseling services at several educational institutions, died on July 21 in Cundy’s Harbor, Maine. She was 90 years old.

Dr. Gelwick grew up in Lisbon Falls, Maine. After high school, she entered a dual degree program at Temple University in Philadelphia and the American Baptist Institute for Christian Workers, graduating in 1955. After getting married and raising a family, she earned a master’s degree and a  Ph.D. at the University of Missouri. She was the first woman Ph.D. candidate in the university’s psychology department.

Dr. Gelwick’s research focused on the study of women’s leadership roles in society and illuminated the challenges faced by women in higher education and the workforce. She championed increasing opportunities and advancement for women, and her work provided the impetus for the University without Walls program, which broke down barriers in education to help nontraditional female students across the nation earn their college degrees.

She directed the student counseling program at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. She went on to be director of counseling services at the University of New Hampshire and Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, before turning to private practice.