Marje Paisley 

Marje Paisley’s legacy was inspiring college women toward life-long success.  She became a widow a few years after marriage, leaving her to raise two children alone. She enrolled at Montana State College in 1937 and joined the staff a year later, serving as assistant to the social director of Hamilton Hall. She received her bachelor's and master's degrees in home economics at MSU, and joined the home economics faculty in 1942, teaching for 20 years.  She was instrumental in designing the expansion of the Child Development Center and Hannon Hall and Family Housing.  As a member of the group that trained Peace Corps volunteers, Paisley served as an exchange professor in Lima, Peru and taught Spanish to Peace Corps volunteers in Mexico.  In 1964, Paisley was named dean of women, a position she held for 10 years. Throughout her career, Paisley coached, mentored and encouraged students to be involved in their community, take advantage of every learning opportunity, take chances and set high expectations of themselves and achieve goals. To honor her inspiring example, Paisley received MSU’s Blue and Gold Award. Paisley Court in the family housing complex is named in her honor.

Marje Paisley was known for her collection of hats, a 600-person Christmas card list and for being a champion for students.

MSU Historic Photo Archive: parc-001901