Emmeline Pankhurst is credited with the establishment of the first women’s college in the U.S., Smith College, in 1871. Pankhurst was a leading figure in the suffragette movement, advocating for women’s rights and education. Her efforts laid the groundwork for greater educational opportunities for women, challenging societal norms of the time. Smith College and similar institutions aimed to provide women with the same academic rigor as their male counterparts. Pankhurst's legacy continues to inspire movements for gender equality and women’s empowerment in education and beyond.