A warm welcome to the 2024-2025 academic year to our new and returning undergraduate and graduate students, esteemed colleagues, and cherished friends!
It is with great enthusiasm that I begin my third and final year as Director of the Feminist Institute of Social Transformation (FIST), a small but vibrant community that encompasses Women’s and Gender Studies, Sexuality Studies, Disability Studies (est. 2018), and Critical Race Studies (est. 2021). Each of these areas plays a crucial role in advancing our collective mission of fostering social justice, inclusivity, and transformative learning.
This year, we are excited to announce that Dr. Fady Shanouda will begin his role as the Undergraduate and Graduate Advisor. Dr. Shanouda brings a wealth of experience in critical disability studies, and his commitment to student success and advocacy will undoubtedly enrich our academic programs.
We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Marie-Eve Carrier-Moisan as she embarks on her second year as the Joint Chair in Women’s Studies. Her populous events and dedicated advocacy have been invaluable. To learn more about the JCWS and stay up to date on events and more via Facebook, Instagram, and on X (formerly known as Twitter)!
This year also marks the retirement of Dr. Ann Cvetkovich, a distinguished scholar whose contributions to feminist theory, queer studies, and public feelings have left an indelible impact on our institute. We are delighted to announce that Dr. Cvetkovich has been awarded the title of Professor Emeritus in recognition of her decades of dedication to scholarship, teaching, and mentorship.
Additionally, we bid a fond farewell to our 2023-2024 Fulbright Distinguished Chair, Dr. Michele K. Lewis, whose visit has come to a close. Dr. Lewis’s work on centering Black-identifying individuals within the 2SLGBTQ+ community, particularly through virtual engagement and identity exploration, has been transformative. We are deeply grateful for her time with us and look forward to the lasting impact of her work.
FIST’s commitment to addressing systemic oppression and social injustice remains unwavering. We recognize the importance of collective action in creating meaningful change and remain dedicated to inclusive teaching and learning that centers gender, sexuality, race, disability, intersectionality, and social justice. Recent and ongoing events have highlighted the critical need for continued vigilance and advocacy against all forms of oppression, and we stand in solidarity with those working towards a safer, more just world.
As we look ahead, we invite you to participate in our upcoming events, including our signature Feminist Futures Lecture Series, Flo Bird Lecture, and our annual student conference. These gatherings are important opportunities to connect, learn, and collaborate, reinforcing the strength and resilience of our community. Wishing you all a successful and fulfilling academic year. Please stay connected with us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for the latest updates and opportunities to engage.
Dr. Amrita Hari
Director, Feminist Institute of Social Transformation (FIST)