WKU News

As part of WKU’s continuing reorganization, the English Department became the administrative home of the Gender and Women’s Studies Program on July 1. Dr. Rob Hale, Head of English, said, “This is a homecoming of sorts. In the 1980s, our faculty were instrumental in founding the annual women’s studies conference that evolved into the Gender and Women’s Studies Program in the 1990s. Dr. Katie Ward, Dr. Karen Schneider, Dr. Dawn Hall, and the late Mary Ellen Miller are among many English Department faculty members who have made significant contributions to GWS over the years. We’re very excited to be affiliated with GWS!”

Dr. Jane Olmsted has directly or indirectly (in her capacity as Head of Diversity and Community Studies) steered GWS since 1996 and has been a visionary leader. Dean of Potter College Larry Snyder noted, “Dr. Olmsted has demonstrated great leadership for a long time. I am very pleased to be able to welcome her and the GWS program back home to Potter College.”

Moving forward, Dr. Dawn Hall, former Director of the School of University Studies (2016-18) and Interim GWS Director (2009-10), will lead GWS for one year to integrate the program into the administrative structure, to expand outreach to students and faculty across campus, and to further develop relationships with academic departments. “Dawn is well-positioned to help GWS move to a new phase at WKU, “ commented Dr. Hale. “She knows the WKU bureaucracy, has wonderful relationships with many colleagues across campus, has extensive practical and academic experience in women’s studies, and has a passion for involving students in GWS classes and programming. The program is in excellent hands.”

Dr. Hall has already begun planning for the program’s transition. She remarked, “The current GWS faculty and staff are passionate and dedicated to the undergraduate student minors, and while the program is in transition for this upcoming year, our plan is to grow the minor and continue the educational programming/events during the 2020-2021 academic year. GWS programs and courses serve, enlighten, and empower students, faculty and the community; we plan to continue the program’s tradition of changing lives through these experiences.”

Continuing to support a vibrant GWS program is a priority for Dean Snyder: “Attention to the issues of gender, inclusion, and equity is central to the intellectual life and mission of this college. The return of GWS to Potter allows us to refocus and integrate those important concerns throughout our curricula on behalf of our students and community.”

For more information please contact Dr. Dawn Hall at (270) 745-8944