Support from donors enables WGSS to reach more students, support our research and teaching mission, and expand our impact. This year, we are excited to announce three new funds in WGSS and are grateful to the donors for making this possible!
Susan M. Hartmann WGSS Research Fund
Established through the generous support of Susan M. Hartmann, the Research Fund will support faculty and graduate students conducting research on women, gender, and gender equity.
Professor Susan Hartmann is a former colleague and mentor to many of us in the department. After coming to Ohio State in 1986, she served as Professor of History and Director of the Center for Women’s Studies and then Professor of Women’s Studies. Professor Hartmann’s four books, co-authored textbook, and many published articles helped to define the field of U.S. women’s history. In the classroom, she educated many thousands of students, and established Ohio State as a leader in the field of women’s and gender history. Professor Hartmann is a field builder and a field leader, and her gift will enable the department to support the research of new generations of scholars.
Miriam J. Noble FREE Center Fund
Established through the generous support of Miriam J. Noble, the fund will support research initiatives in the Center for Feminist Research, Education and Engagement (FREE Center), especially in the areas of technology and AI-related research.
Miriam J. Noble ('06) is a technology executive and Ohio State WGSS alumna whose career has been defined by leadership, innovation, and helping organizations leverage emerging technologies. She has held leadership roles at Cisco, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Okta, and currently serves as Director of Enterprise Lifestyle Brands at Shopify. Miriam earned her degree in Women's Studies from the university and has remained passionate about creating opportunities for women to succeed in technology, data analytics, and leadership roles. A member of the College of Arts & Sciences Dean's Advisory Committee, she routinely comes back to campus to volunteer her time to speak with current students. Her support reflects a commitment to advancing research and exploring the intersections of technology, artificial intelligence, and gender equity.
Claire Robertson Visiting Scholar and Lectureship Fund
Established through the generous support of Claire Robertson, the fund will support a visiting scholar and lecture series in African Women’s Studies.
Professor Claire Robertson is a former colleague and mentor to many of us in WGSS. A leading historian of the African continent who joined Ohio State as faculty in Women’s Studies and History in 1987, Professor Robertson is the author of four books, multiple edited volumes, and many published articles. Her pedagogy introduced generations of students to the study of women and gender across Africa and globally. Her field-defining work in African women’s studies was recently recognized with the Distinguished Africanist Award, awarded by the African Studies Association in recognition of her lifetime record of outstanding scholarship and service. Professor Robertson’s gift will enable the department to support and amplify scholarship in African women’s studies.