Chancellor's Commission on Women Elects Officers, Sets Priorities

The Chancellor's Commission on Women met several times this fall semester, elected a slate of officers, and began setting priorities for the 2020-21 academic year.

Alishia Ferguson, director of the School of Social Work in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, was elected chair of the commission. Erica Nelson-Flowers, director of student-athlete development, was elected vice chair; Danielle L. Williams, assistant vice chancellor and director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance, was elected secretary; and Theresa Parrish, first-year academic counselor in the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design, was elected to the newly created position of communications liaison.

In addition to plans currently underway for celebrating Women's History Month this coming March, the commission seeks input on this academic year's priorities by distributing a survey to all faculty, staff, and students who identify as women. Go to the campus survey.

The commission also will continue to recognize extraordinary women on the U of A campus, as well as women's advocates. Nominations can be submitted from the commission's website.

"The Chancellor's Commission has gotten off to a quick start this year," said commission chair Alishia Ferguson. "I am honored to be a part of the commission and happy to say we are working to set a robust agenda that includes University of Arkansas community input to highlight the interests and accomplishments of women across campus. I hope everyone will follow us on social media and also provide ideas and feedback to us through our survey. We also welcome your nominations for our awards presentation in the spring."

 Roster of Members for 2020-2021

Officers

• Chair — Alishia Ferguson, director of the School of Social Work in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences (2022)
• Vice Chair — Erica Nelson-Flowers, director of Student-Athlete Development (2023)
• Secretary — Danielle L. Williams, assistant vice chancellor and director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance (2023)
• Communications Liaison — Theresa Parrish, first-year academic counselor in the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design (2022)

Faculty Members

• Anna Zajicek, professor and chair, Department of Sociology Justice in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences (2023)
• Lauren Greenlee, assistant professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engeering (2021)

Classified Staff Members

• Tracy Deffebaugh, career services assistant, School of Law (2023)
• Katie Doughty, administrative specialist II, Division of Student Affairs (2021)

Undergraduate Student Members

• Lexie Robertson, political science and African American studies
• Fern Alcantara, political science and psychology

Graduate Student Member

• Katherine Dzurilla, space and planetary sciences

Ex-Officio Members (Non-Voting)

• Julia Nail, president, Associated Student Government
• Mary Savin, professor of microbial ecology, representing Faculty Senate
• Laura Jacobs, associate vice chancellor and chief of staff, representing the Office of the Chancellor
• Cecilia Grossberger, assistant director of marketing and communications at New Student and Family Programs, representing Staff Senate
• Kathy Sloan, vice provost for faculty development, representing the Office of the Provost

"For the past decade, the discussion, events and programs organized and sponsored by the Women's Commission have been an important facet to campus and have helped us not only improve but also advance representation and inclusion of women on our campus. I appreciate and value the work of this group of dedicated students, faculty and staff," said Chancellor Joe Steinmetz.

About the Chancellor's Commission on Women: Founded in 2010, the Chancellor's Commission on Women is an advisory group charged with reviewing and monitoring policies, programs and issues to ensure that all who identify as women at the university are given the best possible opportunities for success within the institution and in their professional and college careers. Membership comprises both graduate and undergraduate students, faculty and staff who serve on staggered three-year appointments to ensure fresh and diverse points of view. The group collectively decides on issues to tackle each year, and relies on input from colleagues, students, and occasional surveys to gain a sense of the campus' interests and needs.