From 1976 to Today and Beyond
Honoring 50 Years of Women’s and Gender Studies at UGA
At the University of Georgia, the Institute for Women’s & Gender Studies is where big big questions drive meaningful dialogue.
We’re all about digging into how gender shapes the world around us — from classrooms to communities and beyond. Housed in the Franklin College of Arts & Sciences, we collaborate with departments all across campus to create dynamic, interdisciplinary courses and programs that challenge assumptions and spark change.
50 Gifts, Real Impact
Fuel the next generation of changemakers — students tackling real-world challenges through scholarship, creative projects, community engagement, and innovative problem-solving — with a gift today. As we work toward 50 donations in celebration of 50 years of impact, every contribution supports research fellowships, hands-on learning, travel experiences, and student awards.
And when we reach $10,000, we’ll fund four experiential learning scholarships that students can use for research, travel, or internships!
Did you know that a donation of …
- $50 … provides course materials for a deserving student
- $100 … purchases three hardcover books for our book club
- $500 … sends students to conferences to network and present research
- $1,500 … funds a semester-long research project
- $10,000 … provides 4 paid internships — priceless career experience
- $50,000 … endows a scholarship in perpetuity to support service-learning community partnerships.
Our History
In 1976, the Honorable Louise McBee, Assistant Vice President of Instruction at UGA, assembled an advisory committee to develop an undergraduate certificate in Women’s Studies. In 1977 the Women’s Studies Program was created with Dr. Maija Blaubergs as the coordinator. The Program continued under Deborah Herman from 1977 until 1983, on a budget allocated by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. During this time, Women’s Studies offered 14 courses, a certificate program, and a lecture and colloquia series.
In 1987 a faculty committee was established to lay the groundwork for a revitalization of the program. As a result, Heather Kleiner was made acting coordinator of the program for ten hours a week (in addition to her job as an advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences). In 1988, five women submitted a proposal to then-president Charles Knapp to revitalize the Women’s Studies Program. It was approved, and Dr. Patricia Del Rey was named director with Heather Kleiner becoming the associate director. Patricia Thruston received the first Women’s Studies Certificate in 1989.
In spring 2004, the Women’s Studies Program gained Institute status and was renamed The Institute for Women’s Studies (IWS). In fall 2024, the Institute changed its name to the Institute for Women’s & Gender Studies (WGS).
Since 2002, over 350 students have graduated with an A.B. degree in Womens’ and Gender Studies, over 300 students have completed the minor in Womens’ and Gender Studies, and over 10,000 students have taken courses in Womens’ and Gender Studies.
Let’s keep the momentum going for the next 50 years (and beyond)!
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