from the University of Chicago in 1891 and her Ph. D. from Columbia University in 1899.
Howe taught at Wellesley College, Connecticut College for Women, and several other institutions before being appointed to the faculty of the University of Wisconsin in 1925, where she remained until her retirement in 1949. She was a Professor of English Literature at Vassar for five years before becoming Dean of Women at Vassar College in 1932-33. She held numerous other positions, including Trustee, Board of Trustees; Vice President, Board of Directors; Secretary; and Treasurer, Board of Directors; Trustee, Board of Trustees; Chairman, Executive Committee; and member of many committees, boards, commissions and councils related to women's studies and women's issues.