Mary Lyon was an American educator and founder of Mount Holyoke College, the first institution of higher education for women in the United States. Born on February 28, 1797, in Massachusetts, she dedicated her life to improving educational opportunities for women, emphasizing the importance of a rigorous academic curriculum. Lyon's innovative approach to education included a focus on both intellectual and moral development. She established Mount Holyoke in 1837, which became a model for women's colleges across the country. Her efforts significantly advanced women's education and inspired future generations of female scholars and leaders.