Ellen Marie Studley papers

Ellen Marie Studley was born on May 27, 1899, to Edith Tyler and George Studley in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Studley family moved to Mishawaka, Indiana when Ellen was nine years old. She graduated as valedictorian of Mishawaka High School and began studying English literature and sociology at DePauw University, where she joined Phi Beta and Mortar Board.

After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree from DePauw in 1921, Studley pursued a Master’s in religious education at Boston University, graduating in 1924. In 1925, she spent a year at the College of Chinese Studies in what is now known as Beijing, deepening her understanding of Chinese language and culture. Her academic journey continued at the University of Chicago, where she studied Chinese, earning her degree in 1930. From 1935-1942, she focused on classical Chinese, and in 1937, she earned a degree in religion from the University of Southern California.

A devoutly religious woman, Studley dedicated her life to education and ministry. In 1944–1945, she studied at Union Theological Seminary and later gave lectures on religious ideology at Vanderbilt University. In 1956, Studley became one of the first women granted full clergy rights as a reverend. She led services but, by 1964, returned to Taipei, Taiwan, to review her studies in Chinese and classical literature. DePauw honored Studley in 1966 with an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree for her contributions.

Studley spent her later years as a reverend in Mishawaka until her passing on August 11, 1989. Ellen Marie Studley is buried in Fairview Cemetery. She is remembered for her remarkable devotion to faith, education, and service.

Sources:

DePauw University Archival and Special Collections (Greencastle, IN), Biographical Information.

DePauw University Archival and Special Collections (Greencastle, IN), Photographs.

DePauw University Archival and Special Collections (Greencastle, IN), Union Bible Training School for Women (Peking, China), 1938-1950.

DePauw University Archival and Special Collections (Greencastle, IN), Ordination, 1958.

DePauw University Archival and Special Collections (Greencastle, IN), Chinese Students and Alumni Services, 1952-1989.

DePauw University Archival and Special Collections (Greencastle, IN), DePauw Honorary Degree, 1986.

“Rev Ellen M. Studley (1899-1989) - Find a Grave...” 2019. Findagrave.com. 2019.

This biographical note was created by Sofia Piazzisi and Alexis Kammerling as part of the HIST278: Women's History from 1890-Present course during the fall 2024 semester. It was revised by Professor Sarah Rowley and the Coordinator of Archives and Special Collections Bethany Fiechter.