Lady Doak College, a premier Christian Institution and the first Women's College in Madurai, was the brainchild of Ms. Katie Wilcox, an American missionary with a vision and fervour for the empowerment of women. The College made its humble genesis in 1948, and within a short span of time, in 1978, it was commissioned to function as an autonomous college, being affiliated to the Madurai Kamaraj University. As an Ecumenical Christian College whose purpose is to impart quality education of Christian character to students of all creeds, this college strives to develop their intellectual powers, locate, identify and cultivate their interests and talents and train them as a 'whole person' - to nurture not just intellectual maturity but also moral values, social responsibility and spiritual inspiration. The college, presently, functions as a unit of Katie Wilcox Education Association and stands distinguished as one of the pioneering autonomous colleges in India. It is an 'A' grade college as per NAAC, thrice recognised and supported by UGC as 'College with Potential for Excellence' and is also ranked 81st by NIRF amongst the top 100 Arts & Science Colleges in the country.