The Kent State University Women’s Center and the Center for Sexual and Relationship Violence are seeking nominations for the Heather E. Adams Woman of Impact Award, given in honor of Heather E. Adams, former executive director of the Women and Gender Centers, for her accomplishments and impact at Kent State.
This award will recognize someone who has had a positive and important impact on the lives of women and the entire Kent 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 it has become. Over the years, she led a committed board that created spaces of warmth, support and care for women across all facets of the campus community.
During her tenure at the Women’s Center, Adams evolved the education and knowledge of the university community to support intentional sexual assault response and created the Center for Sexual and Relationship Violence Support Services (SRVSS). This growth also included upgrading the Women’s Center and the physical space of SRVSS by expanding into the Williamson House, a vibrant hub for empowerment, leadership development, student support and engagement.
Past recipients of the Heather E. Adams award include:
2017 – Heather E. Adams (Inaugural award)
2018 – Dianne Kerr, PhD
2019 – Alfreda Brown, Ed.D.
Nominate a colleague by completing a brief form byFebruary 28. This is a university wide award and Regional Campuses are encouraged to nominate. Nominees and the recipient will be honored at the Mothers, Mentors and Muses event onApril 7,from 5 - 7:30 p.m. at the Kent State Hotel and Conference Center.
Please direct questions to Cassie Pegg-Kirby, director of the Women’s Center, atcpeggkir@kent.edu;orJennie O’Connell, director of Sexual and Relationship Violence Support Services, atjoconne5@kent.edu.