Interim Chancellor Wayne T. Davis and the Commission for Women will sponsor two outstanding women to attend a Higher Education Resource Services (HERS) Institute in 2019.
Women faculty members or administrators who have a proven record of professional growth and responsibility, as well as a keen interest in campus administration and the challenges of growing a university, are encouraged to apply to attend the institute that best suits their individual circumstances. The Bryn Mawr Summer Institute and the HERS Institute at the University of Denver both offer a two-week residential program, and the HERS Institute at Wellesley College offers four three-day sessions across the 2019–2020 academic year. See the HERS website for more information.
HERS Institutes have a reputation for expanding horizons, providing exposure to new and exciting ideas, fostering enduring mentoring relationships, and preparing women for institutional leadership roles. UT participants have included Jennifer Richter, associate vice chancellor and director of equity and diversity; Veerle Keppens, professor and head of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering; Stephanie TerMaath, assistant professor, Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering; Sherry Cummings, professor and associate dean of the College of Social Work; Rachel Chen, professor, Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management; J. Camille Hall, associate professor, College of Social Work; Joan Heminway, professor, College of Law; Dixie Thompson, vice provost and dean of the Graduate School; Hillary Fouts, professor, Department of Child and Family Studies; Deborah Welsh, professor and head of the Department of Psychology; Catherine Luther, professor and director of the School of Journalism and Electronic Media; Alison Buchan, professor, Department of Microbiology; and Mary Lucal, associate vice chancellor for human resources.
The campus selection process requires that each applicant submit three items: a current CV, a letter describing her reasons for applying, and a letter of support from her dean, director, department head, or supervisor. Send these items electronically to Nancy Thacker, Commission for Women, at nthacke2@vols.utk.edu by October 1.
Outstanding applicants will be recommended to the interim chancellor, who will review the materials and select this year’s candidates. Each candidate must apply to her chosen institute by November 17. The Office of the Chancellor will provide support for the registration fee, which includes meals for all institutes and lodging for the Bryn Mawr and Denver institutes. Applicants will need to seek support from their department or college for transportation and, for the Wellesley institute, lodging.
For more information, contact Rachel Chen, chair of the Commission for Women, at rchen@utk.edu.