Born in
New Orleans in 1896, Fay earned a bachelor of arts degree from
Newcomb College of
Tulane University in 1915, a master's degree from the
University of Colorado in 1922, and a PhD in physiological chemistry from
Yale University. In 1925, she began teaching at the University of Texas. In 1935, she became a professor of physiological chemistry at the
Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania. Fay served as acting dean in 1943 and succeeded
Margaret Craighill as dean of the College in 1946. In 1959, Fay became president and dean of the College, the only woman in the United States to serve in this dual role at a medical school. She oversaw the teaching hospital, medical school, and nursing school, including more than one hundred faculty and staff. The college expanded significantly during her tenure. After retiring in 1963, she returned to serve as acting president in 1970. Fay died on May 20, 1990, at the age of 93. == Legacy ==