In 1900 she began developing the “household science” (later called “Home Economics”) program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
After only 2 years of high school she enrolled in the University of Wooster (just north of Columbus, Ohio) where she earned a bachelor's degree in 1885.
Through her studies with Wilbur O. Atwater, a pioneer in agricultural chemistry, Bevier began work on food science and nutrition.
At MIT she worked with Ellen Richards, first president of the American Home Economics Association (AHEA) in 1908, on her ground breaking food and sanitary chemistry.
In 1900 she was recruited by Andrew Draper to develop a program in Household Science (Home Economics) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
[1] During World War I, home economists played a significant role in helping American families manage food shortages and the lack of other basic resources.
Isabel Bevier served as the Illinois Chair of the Thrift and Conservation Department of the Woman’s Committee of the Council of National Defense.
Nevertheless, each unit still owes a substantial debt to the vision of Bevier who understood that by applying scientific study to women, children and family issues that we could develop knowledge and applications that could improve the health and well-being of people.
Today’s study of food safety and nutrition, the understanding of human development and principles of family finance owe much to Bevier’s pioneering scientific and educational vision.