Nellie O'Donnell

Educator

What is Nellie O'Donnell known for?

Nellie O'Donnell, a notable alumni from Chillicothe High School, Chillicothe, Ohio, was a remarkable figure in the field of education. Born in Chillicothe, Ohio on June 2, 1867, Nellie went on to leave a significant impact on the public education system in Tennessee.

O'Donnell's parents, who were natives of Massachusetts, relocated to Memphis, Tennessee when she was still a child. After her education at St. Agnes Academy where she graduated in 1885, O'Donnell began her career in education as a teacher in public schools by 1886 and ascended to the position of a principal the next year.

Nellie's dedication to education was recognized when she was elected as superintendent of public schools for Shelby County in Tennessee. During her tenure, she significantly improved the quality of education by increasing the number of schools from 148 to 217 and extending the average school term from seven to nine months. She established 16 high schools and introduced subjects such as higher mathematics, bookkeeping, rhetoric, higher English, civil government, natural philosophy, physiology, and the history of Tennessee into the high school curriculum. Notably, she also included vocal music as a study in all schools.

In addition to her contributions to education, O'Donnell was an active participant in club life. She was president of the Beethoven Club, and the State Federation of Women's Clubs of Tennessee. As a clubwoman, she was also an organizer and regent of the Commodore Lawrence chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and in 1912 became the president of The Nineteenth Century Club, one of Tennessee's oldest women's clubs. She was also a contributor to newspapers and periodicals and authored several historical essays.

Proving her versatile talents further, in 1920, O'Donnell and her sister-in-law earned their licenses to practice law in the courts. Her purpose for this new pursuit was primarily to provide legal aid to those who could not afford it. She had married James Michael McCormack in 1900 and resided at 7 S. McLean, Memphis. Nellie passed away on February 28, 1931, and is buried at Calvary Cemetery, Nashville.

Nellie O'Donnell's life and work remain a testament to her commitment to improving education, uplifting society, and serving her community.