College of Humanities & Behavioral Sciences

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 Association Director
2016 Title of program is changed to Women's and Gender Studies
2016-Present Dr. Sarah Hastings serves as Director
2019-Present Dr. Anja Whittington serves as Associate Director