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Dorothy Chapman (1878-1967) was Principal of Westfield College from 1931 until 1939. Thereafter, she sat on the College Council, 1939-1960, and became an Honorary Fellow in 1960.

She was educated in Scotland, and, in 1903, was awarded a First Class Honours degree in Classics at the University of St Andrews. After graduating, she won a Classical Research Scholarship and spent two further years at St Andrews, where she also acted as Classical Tutor.

In 1905, Chapman was appointed as Classical Mistress at a school in Ealing. Two years later, she began studying Classical Archaeology at University College London, and was elected to a Carnegie Research Scholarship.

In 1909, she was appointed Warden of Women Students at University College of North Wales, Bangor, where she was in charge of all matters touching the lives of women students. From 1911-1931, Chapman was at the University of Liverpool, where she continued her work as Warden for women students and also as Special Lecturer of Latin.

Chapman came to Westfield as Principal in 1931. Her duties as Principal did not involve lecturing, however she gave many papers at the "Classical Club", where she was noted for her wide-ranging scholarship.

She was twice president of the British Federation of University Woman, and president of the Westfield College Association from 1942-1945.

According to Janet Sondheimer, Chapman was a gentle, yet forceful woman, and understood the art keeping the strong personalities at Westfield 'in good humour and good spirits'.