Helen Hudson – Tutor for Women Students

Dr. Helen Hudson FKC (1919–2006) dedicated over 20 years to promoting women’s education and supporting students at King’s College London.

Helen secured her first role at King’s as Tutor for Women Students in 1959, where she actively championed the welfare of her female students. Often, she was the only woman present on boards and committees, during a period when Professor Jean Hanson, in Biophysics, was the sole female professor at King’s.

Helen played a crucial role in helping female students find safe accommodation after the women’s hall in Kensington was sold. She also successfully advocated for Halliday Hall, originally a male-only residence, to become a mixed hall, despite facing opposition and being hissed at by the male students when she first joined them for dinner.

As a member of the admissions board, Helen worked to raise the number of female admissions to King’s College School of Medicine, which initially had a quota of only 10. During her tenure, she personally interviewed every female applicant to King’s, ensuring they were evaluated based on their abilities and qualifications rather than their gender.

Helen devoted over 20 years of service to King’s, with a particular passion for the Chapel and its music. In 1973, she was appointed Dean of Students, a role she held until 1982. Her legacy continues through the funding of two King’s Choral and Organ scholarships for women each year.

Did you know? Helen is honoured with a King’s Award named after her, recognising and celebrating the contributions, commitment, and support of the King’s alumni community.



Sources:

https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/helen-hudson