The Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State University Women’s Center is for the Heather E. Adams Woman of Impact Award. The award is given in honor of Heather E. Adams, former executive director of the Women’s Center, for her accomplishments and impact at Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State.
This award will recognize someone who has had a positive and important impact on the lives of women and the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State community. Their leadership and work must have contributed to the overall well-being of female-identifying faculty, staff and students.
Ms. Adams became director of the Women’s Center in 2008 after previously serving as academic program director in the College of the Arts. She started her role as director of the Women’s Center on a 10-month contract and was quickly promoted to the position of executive director.
Ms. Adams grew the Women’s Center from a small campus department and resource area to the vibrant educational center and support system that it has become. She led a committed board over the years to achieve amazing accomplishments, including the creation of spaces of warmth, support and care for women across all facets of the campus community.
In her time at the Women’s Center, she evolved the education and knowledge of the university community to support intentional sexual assault response and the eventual creation of the Sexual and Relationship Violence Support Services. This growth also included upgrading the Women’s Center and the physical space of Sexual and Relationship Violence Support Services by expanding into the Williamson House, a vibrant hub for empowerment, leadership development, student support and engagement.
To nominate a colleague, please click to complete a brief form by March 23. The nominees and selected recipient will be honored at the Mothers, Mentors and Muses event on April 3 from 5-7:30 p.m. at the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State Hotel and Conference Center.
If you have questions, contact Cassie Pegg-Kirby, director of the Women’s Center, at cpeggkir@kent.edu or Jennie O’Connell, director of Sexual and Relationship Violence Support Services, at joconne5@kent.edu.