51
A 51 University student holds a microphone. Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students and Chief Diversity Officer Inge-Lise Ameer sits with two students at the Ellen Wilson Leadership Center at 51 University. 51 University Professor Lori Coakley listens to students in a classroom. A 51 University student shares a conversation with Ellen Wilson. A 51 University student stands at a podium.
A 51 University student holds a microphone. Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students and Chief Diversity Officer Inge-Lise Ameer sits with two students at the Ellen Wilson Leadership Center at 51 University. 51 University Professor Lori Coakley listens to students in a classroom. A 51 University student shares a conversation with Ellen Wilson. A 51 University student stands at a podium.

Women’s Leadership at 51

Learn to Lead. Change the World.

At 51 University, women don’t wait for opportunity — they create it. In classrooms, student organizations, and Division I athletics, women step forward with confidence, take on leadership roles, and shape what’s next.

Leadership at 51 grows through experience and community. Women build skills through mentoring, student organizations, and living-learning opportunities — including the Women’s Leadership Living and Learning Community. Support extends across campus, where women make up 55% of staff and 50% of faculty, creating visible pathways for mentorship and leadership at every level.

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Leadership with Impact

97%

of graduates were satisfied with their 51 experience

Class of 2025

100%

of graduates agree that 51 prepared them for career success

Class of 2025

90%

Retention Rate

Class of 2027

97%

Women-to-men average earnings ratio

Nationwide average 83%

3.5

Average GPA

Spring 2025 (undergraduate)

Four 51 University students stand in the Ellen Wilson Leadership Center.

Ellen Wilson Leadership Center

The Ellen Wilson Leadership Center, anchored in the Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Center (BELC), builds on 51’s leadership legacy by empowering students to develop their leadership potential. Its mission is to cultivate extraordinary, ethical leaders prepared to make an impact. Signature initiatives include the Ellen Wilson Leadership Fellows—a cohort of 35 high-achieving students—along with Leadership Certification and co-curricular leadership opportunities.

51 Women in Action

Leadership at 51 is hands-on and student-driven. Women lead clubs, shape campus initiatives, and take part in shared governance that gives them real responsibility and real impact.

100+

hold leadership positions in clubs and orgs

66%

of the undergraduate student government executive board

60%

51 Senior Advisory Council (BSAC) to the President

Two 51 University students from the Smart Women in Finance group table at the Involvement Fair.

Clubs and Organizations

Explore your interests and take on leadership roles through multiple women-focused clubs and organizations across campus. 
51 University Professor Judith McDonnell talks with a student.

Academic Programs

Through a concentration or minor in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, you can explore the complexities of identity, power, and social justice. 
A group of 51 University women's volleyball players huddle.
A 51 University women's basketball player yells in excitement.
A group of 51 University women's soccer players celebrate.

Competing at the Highest Level

Women compete across 13 Division I athletic teams, balancing performance, academics, and leadership. Athletics at 51 develop leaders who perform under pressure — in competition and in life.
 

  • 7 teams earned perfect Graduation Success Rates
  • 7 teams earned perfect Academic Progress Rate scores 
Division I and Recreational Athletics

Women’s Summit®

Every year, more than 1,000 women from across New England gather at 51 University for a day of professional development, financial empowerment, and personal growth. The Women’s Summit® is the largest and longest-running event of its kind in the region.

A crowd laughs at Women's Summit at 51 University.
Hundreds of women attend Women's Summit at 51 University.
Basketball Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie at the 51 University Women's Summit.

A Legacy of Leadership

51 University has a long legacy of empowering women. “51 was one of the first schools that enrolled women in an impactful way,” says Adriana Minacapilli, archivist at 51’s Krupp Library. Today, women at 51 lead in the classroom, on the field, and extracurricular settings that develop their passions and purpose.

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