Pictured from left, Women's and Gender Studies professor Julia Mason,
Theresa Rowland, Women and Gender Studies Program Director Kathleen
Underwood and Brittany Dernberger in Cincinnati.
Staff member receives national recognition for anti-violence work
Nov 11, 2013
Theresa Rowland, coordinator of the leadership program and the
Violence Against Women Act grant for the Women’s Center, was selected
to receive the Emerging Leader Award from the National Women’s Studies
Association, an organization that supports women and gender through
teaching, learning, research and service in academic and other settings.
Rowland was recognized at the NWSA Women’s Center Committee
pre-conference awards ceremony November 6 in Cincinnati.
As VAWA grant coordinator, Rowland organizes events and programs
on campus that address sexual assault and dating and domestic
violence. She was nominated by Brittany Dernberger, assistant director
of the Women’s Center, and Jo Ann Wassenaar, associate director of the
Women’s Center.
“Theresa’s work has not only impacted our students on campus but
across West Michigan and the state,” said Jo Ann Wassenaar, associate
director of the Women’s Center. “Our communities are a better place to
live because of her work.”
Rowland received a master’s of education degree in College
Student Affairs in Leadership from Grand Valley in 2010. She was a
graduate assistant for the Office of Student Life’s Laker Leadership
Program before she joined the Women’s Center in 2011 as VAWA coordinator.
Jessica Jennrich, director of the Women’s Center, said Rowland’s
innovation and enthusiasm has transformed the community. “She is a
resource for all students and a mentor to faculty and staff alike.
While I have been nothing but impressed by her exemplary work thus far
I have reason the best is still yet to come,” said Jennrich.
Marlene Kowalski-Braun, assistant vice provost for Student
Affairs, said Rowland’s anti-violence work on campus has influenced
tremendous cultural change. “She is a talented educator and connector
and the entire campus community has benefited from her leadership,”
said Kowalski-Braun.
Last year, the Women’s Center received the Outstanding
Achievement Award from the National Women’s Studies Association.
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