Chancellor's Commission Elects Officers, Plans for Upcoming Events

The Chancellor's Commission on Women met several times during fall 2021 semester, elected a slate of officers, and laid the groundwork for 2021-22 academic year events.

Alishia Ferguson, associate director of the School of Social Work in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, was re-elected chair of the commission. Theresa Parrish, academic counselor for the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design, was elected vice chair, and Danielle L. Williams, assistant vice chancellor and director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance, was re-elected secretary.

In addition to the celebration of Women's History Month in March, the commission is planning to implement an annual women's caucus to encourage increased participation among the campus community.

The commission also will continue to recognize extraordinary women and women's advocates on the U of A campus. Nominations can be submitted from the commission's website (uawomen.uark.edu) through March 11 for this spring's recognition.

"The Chancellor's Commission has gotten off to a quick start this year," said chair Alishia Ferguson. "I am honored to be a part of the commission and happy to say we are setting a robust agenda that includes drawing in the U of A community for timely and specific input that highlights concerns, interests, and accomplishments of women across campus. I hope everyone will follow us on Facebook and Instagram and also provide ideas and feedback through our survey and quick polls that launch this spring. We also welcome your nominations for our recognition event later this semester."

Roster of Members for 2021-22

Officers

• Chair — Alishia Ferguson, associate director of the School of Social Work in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences (2022)
• Vice Chair — Theresa Parrish, academic counselor, Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design (2022)
• Secretary — Danielle L. Williams, assistant vice chancellor and director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance (2023)

Faculty Members

• Anna Zajicek, associate dean, Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences (2023)
• Brittany Hearn, assistant professor of criminology and sociology (2024)

Non-Classified Staff

• Kelly Bostick, associate director of digital design, University Relations (2024)

Classified Staff Members

• Bonnie Miller, academic programs coordinator, School of Law (2024)
• Emily Chanmanivong, global engagement coordinator, Walton College of Business (2022)
• Jenn Shipley, administrative specialist, Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design (2025)

Undergraduate Student Members

• Tyrah Jackson, Anthropology, Criminology (2022)
• Fern Alcantara, Political Science, Psychology (2022)

Graduate Student Member

• Katherine Dzurilla, Ph.D. candidate, Space and Planetary Sciences, and vice-president, Graduate-Professional Student Congress (2023)

Ex-Officio Members (Non-Voting)

• Laura Jacobs, chief of staff, representing the Office of the Chancellor
• Teia Anderson, vice-president, Associated Student Government
• Mary Savin, professor, Microbial Ecology, representing Faculty Senate
• 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

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 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 address each year, and relies on input from colleagues, students, and occasional surveys to gain a sense of the campus' interests and needs.