Boyd, Evelyn Mae

Evelyn Mae Boyd was an American-born author, professor of English and World War II veteran. Born June 3, 1893 in Oelwein, Iowa to Walter and Mae Ann (nee Lee) Boyd, she graduated from Grinnell College in 1918 with a bachelor of arts, followed by an MA from the University of Chicago and a PhD from Columbia University in English and comparative literature with a focus on medieval and Italian Renaissance literature.

Following graduate studies, Boyd taught briefly at the State Teachers College in DeKalb, Illinois before returning to Grinnell College in 1923 where she joined the faculty and remained until her retirement in 1958. Between 1926 and 1927 Boyd worked as an exchange teacher in Kobe, Japan later writing and publishing on Japanese customs. In 1942 she joined the America Red Cross as an assistant field director and hospital recreation worker. For her service, which included two years with the navy near the Panama Canal and two years with the army in northwest Europe, she was given a presidential citation in 1946. During her time with the Red Cross Boyd held evening classes for military personnel wanting to keep up with their studies. The experience resulted in the teaching of all-male classes of veterans at Grinnell College due to a shared understanding of war.
Boyd relocated to Waterloo, Ontario following her retirement from Grinelle College, where she taught first at Wilfred Laurier University and then at the University of Waterloo.

Boyd died in Waterloo on December 24, 1983 at the age of 90 and was buried alongside her family in Ackley, Iowa.

Created December 2025 by DR.

• "Boyd, Dr. Evelyn M. (AB. MA, PhD)". Kitchener-Waterloo Record. December 26, 1983. p. E15.
• Evelyn Mae Boyd - Find a Grave
• "Professor Career Studded With Adventure". Kitchener-Waterloo Record. April 26, 1960. p. 9.