Developing a strong interest in providing women with a quality education, also, she was the first of many Tennessee woman to assist in the organization of teachers' institutes, and the first southern woman to attend the teachers' summer school in the North, when she took classes at the first session of Martha's Vineyard Summer Institute in Cottage City, Mass.

[2] In 1873, She was asked to become superintendent of public schools systems in Memphis as part of a political struggle to have female educators recognized for their merits.

Conway argued that a woman's duty is first and foremost to herself, not to her husband, which was a common viewpoint even among female activists.

[6] In May 1890, She was among a group of strong female women that had the desire in educating girls to attain quality moral principles in the city of Memphis, she founded the Nineteenth Century Club, a women's club that aimed to improve the city's lifestyle and public services.

She explained, "The stale, worn-out argument that higher education detracts from womanliness has lost its force...

[4] The Board of Trustees included some of the most influential businessmen in the city, and by 1888, the school had over 300 young women enrolled and 26 faculty members.

[1] The school became known for its progressive and innovative approach to education, and included a fine reference library, a gymnasium, a science lab, and a complete arts studio.

[5] She spent the later years of her life teaching, speaking out for woman rights and campaigning for women's higher education at the local, state and national level until her untimely death in 1904.

Such as this, was Clara Conway... To most of us she sat Minerva-like upon a mystic throne - incomparably wise, brilliant and resourceful, impressing upon each one who passed within the space of her influence the importance of her motto.