Awards of Excellence for the Advancement of Women
PURPOSE: The Commission on Women annually honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to improve the quality of life for women and inspire women’s leadership and success at Clemson University.
The Commission seeks to recognize individuals formally affiliated with Clemson University who have made significant contributions to promoting the advancement of women at Clemson University and the community at large. These awards honor individuals whose actions and accomplishments meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Demonstrates a commitment to advance gender equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Engages in work that positively affects the lives of women, especially Clemson University faculty, staff and/or students.
- Serves as a role model or mentor (broadly interpreted) in the lives of Clemson University women.
- Serves as a role model or mentor (broadly interpreted) in the lives of women in the community.
- Exhibits active involvement in causes and/or organizations that directly impact that status of women (e.g., pay equity, violence against women, women’s health, caregiving responsiblities, etc.).
Categories for Awards of Excellence for the Advancement of Women include (1-4 must be Clemson University Employees or Students):
- Regular or Special faculty (as defined in the Faculty Manual),
- Staff,
- Graduate student,
- Undergraduate student
- Special Category: Gender Equity Champion
This fifth award recognizes an individual who has made significant and positive contributions to the advancement of intersectional gender equity and inclusion within the Clemson University community. Eligibility for this award includes categories 1-4 above, as well as alumni, Administrative faculty, donors, and others formally affiliated with Clemson University.
Anyone in these categories can be nominated (or self-nominate) for the awards, regardless of gender identity or sex.
Nominations are open through March 30th! Access the award guidelines and nomination form.
2022 Award Winners
Faculty – Heather H. Kettrey, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice
Staff – Jodi M. Cox, Graduate School
Undergraduate Student – Serena N. Gilmore, Bioengineering
Graduate Student – Missoury Lytle, Chemical Engineering
Gender Equity Champion – Jennifer H. Ogle, Ph.D., Department Chair, Civil Engineering
Award History
2021 Winners
- Faculty – Jessica Larsen
- Staff – Paige Thomsen
- Undergraduate Student –Eden Wallace
- Graduate Student – Akiebia Hicks and Katie Thurson (co-winners)
- Gender Equity Champion – Martine LaBerge
The Award Ceremony was not held in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2019 Winners
- Faculty – Heidi Zinzow
- Staff – Marion Robinson
- Undergraduate Student – MarRaghed Al Dahabi
- Graduate Student – Shannon Stefl
- Distinguished Contributor – Margaret Elderidge
Thea McCrary Student Award for Outstanding Service
Until 2019, the Commission on Women awarded the Thea McCrary Student Award for Outstanding Service. Named after the late Captain Thea McCrary, former chair of the Women’s Commission and winner of the Outstanding Woman Award for Staff, this award encouraged and promoted a student who has demonstrated scholarship, leadership, and community service. The Thea McCrary Student Award was given to students who have the attributes to be our next generation of leaders.
Eligibility: Any student who, during the previous academic year, has shown leadership while being engaged in community or public service, may be nominated.
Award: The recipient of this award will be granted a stipend of $500, to be presented at the Outstanding Women Awards.
2019 Award Winner — Francesca Shaw
Clemson University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status, genetic information or protected activity (e.g., opposition to prohibited discrimination or participation in any complaint process, etc.) in employment, educational programs and activities, admissions and financial aid. All individuals meeting the applicable Clemson University affiliation requirements can apply for the awards.
