Miss Elizabeth [Lily] Webb Long

Miss Lily Long began her career at Charlotte Female Institute in 1864. She taught briefly at other schools and returned in 1878 to Charlotte Female Institute. When Dr. Atkinson left the school in 1890, she became Principal. Dr. Atkinson intended to close the school and the campus at College Street remained vacant for five years. Miss Long re-organized the school under the name Seminary for Girls and moved to North Tryon Street. In 1896, the Seminary was incorporated into the newly chartered Presbyterian Female College, and Miss Long became the Principal. From 1899-1910 she was Lady Principal [Dean].  Miss Long retired in 1910.  She was honored by the alumnae by being named the honorary president of the Alumnae Association and the first life member. In 1921 North Hall on the Queens Campus was named in honor of Miss Long. When the residence hall was renamed in 1997, the inner lobby was dedicated to Miss Long, in memory of her years of devotion. Many say that without her dedication and generosity, there would be no Queens today.