History of Women's and Gender Studies

The Radford University Women's and Gender Studies program, formerly known as the Women's Studies Program, was formally recognized as an interdisciplinary minor in 1999 with the first Women's Studies class being offered in 2000.  Spearheading efforts were Drs. Mary Atwell, Moira Baker, Mary Ferrari, and Hillary Lips. 

The WGST minor provides an interdisciplinary and global perspective on women, their contributions to society, the effects of systemic inequalities on their lives, and activism to create social change.    

Timeline of Significant Events

• 1998-1999          Women's Studies was conceived and brainstormed
• Founding mothers consist of Drs. Mary Atwell, Moira Baker, Mary Ferrari and Hillary Lips
• Major supporter of the program's creation Dr. Ann Ferren, Vice President of Acadmic Affairs
• 1999-2000          Women's studies recognized as an interdisiplinary minor

Director: Dr. Hillary Lips.  Committee: Jill Alcorn, Mary Atwell, Moira Baker, Pat Connolly, Margaret T. Devaney, Carolyn Dickman, Anne L. Dornberg, Mary Ferrari, Karolyn Givens, Sharon Hartline, Diane Hodge, Kay Jordan, Louse Majorey, Marilyn Rigby, Lynn Saubert, Sarah Spier 

• Spring 2000       First official course taught under the Women's Studies Curriculum  
• 2000-2003         Dr. Hillary Lips serves as Director
• 2001-2002          Dr. Mary Ferrari serves as Acting Director (for Dr. Lips)
• 2003-2016          Dr. Moira Baker serves as Director  
• 2009                   Associate Director Position is added to Women's Studies
• 2009-2019          Dr. Michele Ren serves as Associate Director
• 2016                    Title of program is changed to Women's and Gender Studies    
• 2016-2021           Dr. Sarah Hastings serves as Director
• 2019-2021           Dr. Anja Whittington serves as Associate Director 
• 2021-Present      Dr. Anja Whittington serves as Director 
• 2022-Present     Dr. Zehui Dai serves as Associate Director