Flora Rose

Flora Rose (October 13, 1874 – July 25, 1959) was an American scientist, nutritionist, and co-director of what would become New York State College of Human Ecology. Rose, along with Martha Van Rensselaer, was named the first full-time female professor at Cornell University.

Rose graduated with her BA from Kansas State Agricultural College. After her graduation, she wrote letters to Stanford University and Cornell University proposing they initiate a home economics program. Cornell accepted her proposal and hired her to begin the burgeoning home economics department alongside Martha Van Rensselaer.

Aside from her obligations to Cornell, Rose held the position of deputy director of the Food Conservation Bureau of the New York State Food Commission. In this position she aided in leading research and development of production of cereals that were low-cost and vitamin-enriched. King Albert I of Belgium awarded Rose the Order of the Crown for leading an effort to provide food relief to malnourished school-age children in Belgium.

Fellow faculty members penned this memorial statement in memory of her contribution:

“The abiding picture is one of vividness and warmth, of poise and strength, of open-door hospitality, of instant and personal interest and of loyal friendship.”