Isobel Griscom was born in 1898 in Chattanooga, Tennessee where she resided with her family. She attended college at the University of Miami in Oxford, Ohio and earned her Master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin before returning to Chattanooga to teach English with the University of Chattanooga from 1922-1963. Griscom, a well respected and highly regarded professor and writer, was honored with a distinguished teacher award by the Evans Foundation in 1930. In 1977, her former students honored her by publishing her poems under the title Isobel Griscom: An Appreciation. Beyond teaching, Griscom was involved in local cultural and civic enterprises, founding the Chattanooga Art Association, the forerunner of the Hunter Museum. She was also a member of the League of Women Voters, the American Association of University Women, the Great Books groups, the UC Faculty Women’s Club, and she served on the first board of directors to the Adult Education Council. Griscom died in Chattanooga on December 17, 1980. Griscom’s legacy remains, however, as several awards, contributions and scholarships have been made in her name throughout the Tennessee academic system.