Chancellor's Commission on Women to Hold Forum on Mentoring

Networking and personal support are key elements in job satisfaction and success for women in the workplace. To support women in these efforts, the University of Arkansas has created the Chancellor’s Commission on Women. The group will hold its first  luncheon entitled “Women Helping Women: It Takes A Village” to coincide with the International Day of Women. The event will be held March 9, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. in the Arkansas Union, rooms 509-511.

“Many women who have been successful at rising through the ranks in their professions have had help, support, and promotion at key points in their careers,” said Amy Farmer, professor of economics and chair of the women’s commission. “We can, and should be, resources for each other. It is also critical for women in the workplace to be open to opportunities and to take action on their own behalf when those opportunities present themselves.”

The luncheon includes a forum and panel discussion. The panel will include Sharon Gaber, who is the first female provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs in university history; Danielle Wood, assistant director of affirmative action at the university; and Farmer, who is also the Margaret Gerig and R.S. Martin Jr. Chair in Business in the Sam M. Walton College of Business.

The goal of the commission and the forum is to recognize the contributions that women bring to higher education and the University of Arkansas, specifically. The panel speakers will discuss the role mentors have played in their careers and the importance of paying forward the assistance they have received.

“The Chancellor’s Commission on Women has identified a critical area of professional development. The presence of a concerned mentor can have an incalculable impact on the course of one's career,” said Chancellor G. David Gearhart. “Almost every successful leader has benefited from standing on the shoulders of her or his predecessor. I’m glad the forum will be exploring this crucial but often underappreciated discussion.”

All faculty and staff are welcome to attend the event. An RSVP is not necessary but encouraged. To RSVP email uaintern@uark.edu.