The study of women's roles at Magnolia State, however, challenged this insistent view of the college as a men's institution. In fact, women had been enrolled at Magnolia State since 1884, and had been physically present as students even during a period of 18 years when the board of trustees had banned coeducation at the college. During the 1930s and 1940s, women students had enrolled in increasing numbers. By World War II, women had already taken leadership positions in the student association, the band, the cheerleading squad, the rifle team, and the student newspaper. Further, women students on average earned higher grades than their male classmates.
Historical research challenges theoretical preconceptions as well.
The researcher at Midwestern State University approached her study as a feminist scholar, making the initial assumption that the impact of the women's movement would inevitably be positive. In the course of research, however, it became apparent that this was far too simplistic an assumption. Results of the study showed that while there were positive changes in the lives of women students as a result of the women's movement, women students also lost something very valuable when the dean of women position was eliminated. Through this position the university had provided inestimable expressions of care for women students, their lives, and their growth. When the university reorganized its services, this attention to women students was lost.