Concha Meléndez

Concha Meléndez
Dr. Concha Meléndez
Born	January 21, 1895 Caguas, Puerto Rico
Died	June 26, 1983 San Juan, Puerto Rico
Occupation	poet, writer, educator
Nationality	Puerto Rican
Notable awards	Puerto Rican Academy of Languages; Medal of Literature; Award of Honor

Dr. Concha Meléndez (January 21, 1895 – June 26, 1983) was an educator, poet, and writer. She was the first woman to belong to the Puerto Rican Academy of Languages.

Meléndez was born and raised in Caguas, Puerto Rico, where she received her primary and secondary education. After graduating from high school she enrolled at the University of Puerto Rico where she earned her teacher's certificate.

Meléndez taught at the University's high school while she continued to pursue her University studies. In 1924, she received her Bachelor's degree and soon after went to New York City where she obtained her Master's degree in 1926 from Columbia University. She returned to Puerto Rico where she became a professor at the University of Puerto Rico.

Meléndez later went to Mexico where she enrolled in the National University of Mexico (UNAM). In 1932, she became the first woman in the history of Mexico to earn a Doctorate in philosophy and letters.

When she returned to Puerto Rico, the University of Puerto Rico bestowed upon her the title of "Professor Emeritus" in Hispanic-American Literature. She was named director of the Hispanic Studies and Humanities Faculty Department at the University, a position she held between 1940-1959. Meléndez also founded a tenured chair on Hispanic-American Literature in the University. In 1964, Meléndez acted as visiting professor at the Middlebury School of Languages in Vermont. Concha Meléndez died in San Juan, Puerto Rico on June 26, 1983.