Promoting Gender Diverse Professors in the Music School for Women and Non-Binary Individuals
Professor Elisabeth Le Guin, a well-respected figure in the School of Music, is set to take on a new role as Special Assistant to the Inaugural Dean for Faculty Development and Gender Equity. This new position, which is part of her Pathways to Retirement agreement, will see her continue her contributions to the School of Music even after her retirement in July 2022.
In her new role, Professor Le Guin intends to prioritize the needs and voices of women and non-binary faculty, but her efforts will include all faculty. She plans to explore challenges faced by these individuals, such as professional life challenges connected to gender positioning, and create safe, effective spaces for imagining alternatives.
Professor Le Guin feels it's important to support women and non-gender binary faculty because gender oppression is systemic and affects everyone. To address these challenges, she aims to draw upon structures and resources outside of the school.
The details of the initiatives Professor Le Guin plans to implement in her role are not yet clear. However, it is known that her work will focus on supporting and developing the interests of School of Music faculty, with special attention to gender issues. This will involve creating faculty development opportunities and overseeing events to help guide initiatives forward.
Professor Le Guin invites all faculty members within the School of Music to support her work by being open to conversation, sharing their experiences, and collaborating on initiatives aimed at addressing gender issues. By working together, the School of Music can strive towards a more inclusive and equitable environment for all its members.
Professor Le Guin's work in her new role will extend beyond women's health to encompass health-and-wellness for all faculty members. Her emphasis on diversity-and-inclusion could potentially inspire discussions in business and careers, leading to a more diverse faculty.
With a focus on the School of Music, Professor Le Guin's initiatives may also encourage educators across fields, including education-and-self-development, to address similar gender issues in their respective institutions.
In the broad spectrum of societal advancement, Professor Le Guin's efforts in fostering gender equity mirror personal growth and self-improvement, advocating for the betterment of not just her fellow faculty members, but also the wider community.
Lastly, Professor Le Guin's dedication to financial literacy, a crucial aspect of career development, can provide a strategic approach to securing funds for her proposed gender equity initiatives within the School of Music.
