Emma McVicker


Emma McViker was the second state superientendent of education for the state of Utah. She served in this postion from the death of John R. Park until A. C. Nelson succedded her after he was elected to the psotion in the 1900 election.
She was born Emma Kelly in Watertown, New York. She received her education at Downer College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She came to Salt Lake City to work at the Salt Lake Collegiate institute where she became principal serving till 1884. In 1884 she became a regent of the University of Utah. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Utah in 1888. In 1886 she had married John McVicker who had come to Utah from California to work as an assayer.
McVicker became a leadering advocate of Kingdergarten. She founded the Free Kindergarten Association in Salt Lake City which eventually evolved into Neighborhood House. This organization had a key role in includuding Kindergarten in the new Utah constitution. She was the Republican Candidate for State Superintedent of Education in 1895 but was excluded because the state constitution allowing women to vote and hold office was not in effect yet. In 1900 when John R. Park died, she was appointed by Governor Heber Wells to succeed him as superientdent of instuction.As superientdent of instruction she advocated an activie role for children in the learning process.
McVicker was also involved in various women clubs. She served for a time as president of the Women's Federation of Clubs of Utah. In 1905 she earned a master's degree from the University of California. Much of her will went to start the McVicker Loan Fund to provide no interest loans to University of California students.