The Bell
5 Influential Women Who Shaped Gordon College
Throughout its history Gordon College has been shaped by remarkable women whose faith, leadership and vision helped build the institution we know today. This Women’s History Month we honor some of these influential women as trailblazers who left a lasting legacy on our campus and community.
Maria Hale Gordon: A voice of leadership and faith
Maria Hale Gordon played a foundational role in Gordon’s story. After marrying Adoniram Judson Gordon in 1863, Maria became a trusted advisor and partner in launching what would eventually become Gordon College.
As an accomplished speaker and advocate, Maria used her voice to champion the College’s mission and help shape our earliest years. Maria was involved with Gordon from 1889–1914, with her deepest involvement occurring in those early, foundational years.
Jan Carlberg: A heart for students and community
During her official tenure at Gordon, Jan Carlberg served in student development, directed women’s ministries, taught community Bible studies and even served as assistant chaplain. When Jud Carlberg became president in 1992, Jan took on the role of first lady, but her influence reached far beyond that title.
In 2024 Gordon recognized Jan’s incredible impact and gifted storytelling with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Stan Gaede, former provost and professor of sociology at Gordon, remarked in a 2011 Chapel address in honor of Jud and Jan Carlberg, “You’ll note that most of Jan’s stories are about things that have happened within her own world, in her family, in her own experience growing up or the experiences of those she loves. Jan doesn’t just tell stories. In other words, she learns from the stories she sees all around her and then shares her learning with us. . . Her stories exist not merely for the sake of the story itself. . . Stories, for Jan, are vehicles for learning.”
Known affectionately as “the campus grandmother,” Jan continues to mentor and support the Gordon community to this day. You can watch Jan’s latest Chapel message on Gordon’s YouTube channel.
Martha Dodge Frost: A legacy of generosity
Martha Dodge Frost’s deep love for Gordon (then called Gordon Bible College) shaped our initial Boston campus both physically and spiritually. Known for treating students and alumni like her own children, Martha generously gave over $50,000 to build the original Frost Hall on the Fenway in Boston. The building contained offices, classrooms, dormitories, a dining room and a kitchen.
Martha often remarked on how her giving to Gordon transformed her life. Former Gordon President Nathan R. Wood shared in his book A School of Christ, “When [Martha] met the Gordon Committee at the Trust Company to make the final payments of her gift, and the Committee thanked her, she rose and with old-fashioned courtesy said, ‘Gentlemen, it is I who thank you. You have immortalized my name.’”
Martha Frost was involved with the College from 1915 until her death in 1925. According to President Wood her total gifts throughout the years were equal to $200,000, which in today’s world would total over $3.5 million! When Gordon relocated to Wenham in 1955, the College renamed the iconic Prince Mansion to Frost Hall in honor of Martha’s enduring legacy.
Isabel Warwick Wood: Shaping Gordon’s academic foundation
As one of our earliest deans of faculty, Isabel Warwick Wood had a profound impact on Gordon’s academic development. Isabel came to Gordon in 1910 with her husband, Gordon President Nathan R. Wood, and she served for thirty-five years until she retired in 1945. Working closely with her husband, Isabel helped expand Gordon’s curriculum by introducing a department focused on culture and literature. She also helped prepare the College for rechartering as an independent institution.
Carrie Tarbell: A champion for global missions
Carrie Tarbell served Gordon College from 1925–1959 as a librarian and professor emerita of missions. Before coming to Gordon Carrie was a missionary in China, which helped drive her passion for missions.
Her influence at Gordon extended far beyond her official roles. Carrie was well-known for being a passionate advocate of foreign missions and a powerful prayer leader. Her legacy continues to inspire Gordon’s global engagement today.
Celebrating Women Who Lead
These five women represent just a glimpse of the many female leaders who helped shape Gordon College’s history. Their faith, courage and commitment laid the foundation for the vibrant community we cherish today. This Women’s History Month we celebrate their legacy and are reminded that leadership comes in many forms and has the potential to leave a long-lasting impact.