Jacoba Hol


Jacoba Hol was a Dutch physical geographer. In 1945, she was appointed professor of physical geography at the Geographic Institute at Utrecht University. This made her the first female 'normal' professor in the Netherlands.

Biography

Jacoba Brigitta Louisa Hol was born in Antwerp, September 21, 1886. She was the illegitimate daughter of Maria Theresa Koene and the composer Richard Hol. In November 1907, Hol enrolled in the study of mathematics and physics at the University of Utrecht, where she graduated in 1912. Under the supervision of the physical geographer, Karl Oestreich, she wrote her dissertation on the hydrology of the Ardennes.
From 1915, she worked as Oestreich's assistant at the geographic institute at Utrecht University. Among other things, she looked into the practical organization of the educational excursions for students. In 1916, Hol graduated cum laude with her dissertation, Beiträge zur Hydrographie der Ardennen. While writing it, she started a job as a mathematics and physics teacher at a secondary school, and was appointed as a physical geography and geology teacher at the Katholieke Leergangen in Tilburg. In 1940, after 25 years of teaching, she was appointed lecturer and was officially authorized to give lectures. Hol was appointed professor in 1945, succeeding Oestreich. This made her the first female 'normal' professor in the Netherlands. In 1958, she retired at the age of almost 72 and was succeeded by Jan Zonneveld.
Hol died in Meerssen, October 15, 1964.

Selected works