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Kristen Myers named Women’s Studies director

February 1, 2013
Kristen Myers

Kristen Myers

The Women’s Studies Program at NIU has appointed a new director – Kristen Myers.

An associate professor of sociology, Myers brings more than 15 years of experience to the position. In her supplementary role at the university, she looks to promote an understanding of gender inequality in the United States and abroad, in contemporary society and across the centuries.

“This is a big undertaking,” Myers said, “but we have an amazing group of faculty, staff and students working together toward this end.”

Myers is no stranger to her new position.

After earning a certificate in Women’s Studies from Duke University in 1995, she went on to receive a Ph.D. in sociology from North Carolina State University in 1996. Later that same year, Myers began her tenure at NIU, working under the tutelage of Amy Levin as an associate faculty member in the Department of Women’s Studies.

During her tenure at NIU, Myers has been an active member of the university. She has served as coordinator of the LGBT Studies, director of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies and a faculty adviser for a Northern Illinois local chapter of Sociologists for Women in Society, among others.

Myers said the popular perception is that gender inequality is a thing of the past, but she argues that it’s important to continue informing the public.

“I’m looking forward to working with a great team of people to engage students, the campus community and the larger public in opportunities for learning about the status of women and girls in a changing society,” Myers said. “We must continue to collect data, involve stakeholders and share our results with the public.”