2020 Sarah Goddard Power and Rhetaugh G. Dumas Awards
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rofessors Cathleen Connell of the Department of Health Behavior and Health Education and Allison Steiner of the Department of Climate and Space Science and Engineering received the 2020 Sarah Goddard Power Award on February 12 in a ceremony at the Michigan League. The Women’s Studies Department was recognized with the Rhetaugh G. Dumas Progress in Diversifying Award by the Academic Women’s Caucus. Named after the late University of Michigan Regent Sarah Goddard Power, the award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the betterment of women through their leadership, scholarship or other ways in their professional life. The Rhetaugh G. Dumas Progress in Diversifying Award supports a long-standing vision of increasing the number of diverse women in the academy. Named after late Vice Provost Rhetaugh Dumas, it recognizes outstanding institutional initiative in demonstrating notable progress by academic units in achieving ethnic, racial and gender diversity among those pursuing and achieving tenure as professors, clinical professors, research professors, and research scientists. Cathleen Connell, PhD, was selected for her significant achievement in addressing current challenges faced by women through distinguished leadership at the University of Michigan. “Cathleen brings true kindness, empathy, and graciousness to her leadership roles. With her attitudes and actions, she has helped make the Department and School a place where female scholars feel comfortable and can thrive personally and professionally,” said Mary Janevic, Ph.D., MPH, in a nominating letter. “Cathleen embodies the characteristics of an inspired leader. A patient listener, she has an innate ability to motivate teams
Left to right: Cathleen Connell, Professor, Department of Health Behavior & Health Education; and Allison Steiner of the Department of Climate and Space Science and Engineering
CEW+AWARDS
to institute changes, meet goals, and achieve success,” Angela Beck, Assistant Dean for Student Engagement and Practice, School of Public Health, wrote. Allison Steiner, PhD, has provided breakthrough contributions towards developing a diverse and inclusive workforce both at the University of Michigan and in her own scientific field at a national and international level. She receives the Sarah Goddard Power Award for her tireless advocacy towards the advancement of women in Earth Sciences worldwide, and her leadership role in promoting equality for female faculty in the College of Engineering. “Looking through the list of the last few years Sarah Goddard Power Award winners is inspirational … Prof. Allison Steiner’s significant achievements in contributing to the betterment of current challenges faced by women through her leadership and community building roles clearly place her in the same company,” wrote Mark Moldwin, Arthur F. Thurnau Professor and Professor of Space Sciences and Engineering, in a nominating letter. Since 1973, the Department of Women’s Studies has advanced equity and awareness of the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and class across the university through their research, teaching, mentoring, and community outreach. It is a long-overdue honor to select Women’s Studies for the 2020 Rhetaugh Dumas Award for this commitment and for its advancement of diverse faculty across all levels. In the fall of 2019, 50% of Women’s Studies faculty were black and/ or people of color. Over the past five years, leadership in Women’s Studies has embodied and practiced an “institutional commitment to change,” while numerous faculty have provided dedicated mentorship to their junior colleagues. Two recent department chairs - an African American and Latinx during those five years have moved on to Assistant, Associate, and interim dean positions at the College of LSA.
Left to right: Victor Mendoza, Director of Undergraduate Studies and Associate Professor of Women’s Studies and English receiving award from Carol Jacobsen, Professor of Art, Stamps School of Art & Design, and Professor of Women’s Studies
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