Program Histories by State

The following is a sampling of resources exploring GWS programs across the US. This is not an exhaustive list, and more research will be needed by anyone looking to complete a thorough examination of the institutions. Most departments have history pages on their websites, and these are not included here. For more information about a specific institution’s department, search the internet for the department name and “history.” What’s included below are mostly longer histories, those published in journals or digital collections of historical records.

Arizona

• Dinnerstein, M. (1982). Curriculum integration at the University of Arizona. Women’s Studies Quarterly, 10(1), 23–24. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40003118 
• Goldstein, S. (2020, Dec. 10). University of Arizona celebrates 45th anniversary of Gender and Women’s Studies Program [Audio]. KJZZ. https://www.kjzz.org/2020-12-10/content-1642344-university-arizona-celebrates-45th-anniversary-gender-and-womens-studies-program

Big Ten/Committee on Institutional Cooperation (CIC) 

Yates, G. G. (1979). Big Ten forms women’s studies permanent consortium. Women’s Studies Newsletter, 7(1), 31–31. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40041980 

California

• Berkeley
  • Barry, A., Godard, C., & Park, A. (2025, Sept. 10). The history of women’s studies is a history of conflict. Public Books. https://www.publicbooks.org/the-history-of-womens-studies-is-a-history-of-conflict/ 
  • Bowles, G. (2009). Living ideas: A memoir of the tumultuous founding of Berkeley Women’s Studies. Self-published: Gloria Bowles.
  • Christ, C.T. (1997). Anniversary lecture: The American university and women’s studies. Tulsa Studies in Women’s Literature, 16(1), 13–25. https://doi.org/10.2307/464038 
  • Duelli-Klein, R. (1981). Berkeley “freshwomen” look at women’s studies. Women’s Studies Quarterly, 9(2), 24–24. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40004797 
  • Henry, C. (1982). Afro-American Studies and Women’s Studies at Berkeley: A case of cooperation. Women’s Studies Quarterly, 10(2), 14–14. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40004063 
• CSU-Long Beach
  • Hale, S. (1986). Our attempt to practice feminism in the Women’s Studies Program. Frontiers: A Journal of Women Studies, 8(3), 39–43. https://doi.org/10.2307/3346369 
  • Ponciano, N. (2019, Oct. 2). The rise of women’s studies at CSULB. Long Beach Current. https://lbcurrent.com/special-projects/70th-anniversary/2019/10/02/the-rise-of-womens-studies-at-csulb/ 
  • Rosenfelt, D. S. (1973). Closeup: Long Beach Women’s Studies Program. Women’s Studies Newsletter, 1(3), 2–11. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40041837
  • Sievers, S. L. (1986). What have we won, what have we lost? Frontiers: A Journal of Women Studies, 8(3), 43–46. https://doi.org/10.2307/3346370  
• Golden Gate University
  • Lam, K. (1972, Dec.). Why a program failed. Off Our Backs, 3(4), 17. [Golden Gate University]. Available via Women’s Studies Archive database.
• Humboldt State University
  • Corbett, K. L., Preston, K. (1998). From the catbird seat: A history of women’s studies at Humboldt State University, 1971-1996. Humboldt State University.
• Loyola Marymount University
  • Addo-Quaye, K. (2015, Sep. 30). The department of women’s and gender studies celebrates its 10th anniversary. The Los Angeles Loyolan. https://www.laloyolan.com/news/the-department-of-women-s-and-gender-studies-celebrates-its-10th-anniversary/article_a1f1bc78-53c9-567c-ad32-3a2d3bd7ca86.html  
• Sacramento
  • McReynolds, G., Kennedy, K. A., & Wilson, J. H. (1973). Closeup: Sacramento Women’s Studies Program. Women’s Studies Newsletter, 1(3), 2–12. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40041838 
  • Nunez, E., & Lacey, S. (2021, Mar. 29). Women’s and gender studies students and faculty reflect on department’s 50th anniversary. The State Hornet. https://statehornet.com/2021/03/sac-state-womens-studies-50th-anniversary/  
  • Rosenfelt, D. (1973). What happened at Sacramento. Women’s Studies Newsletter, 1(5), 1–7. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40041915 
• San Diego State University
  • Boxer, M.J. (1978, Spring). Closeup: Women’s Studies Department at San Diego. Women’s Studies Newsletter, 6(2), 20-23. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40042461 
  • Cannon, N.H. (1971, Oct-Dec.). First U.S.A. women’s studies program. Women Speaking, 2(28), 19. Available via Women’s Studies Archive database.
  • Cavanaugh, M. (2020, Mar. 10). First women’s studies department in the nation celebrities 50 years [Audio]. KPBS. https://www.kpbs.org/news/midday-edition/2020/03/10/first-womens-studies-department-nation-celebrates 
  • Foulkes, S.B. (2007). Coalitions, collaborations, and conflicts: the history of women’s studies at San Diego State University from 1969-1974. [Master’s thesis, San Diego State University.] ProQuest Dissertations and Theses.
  • To our sisters around the country. (1970, Dec. 14). The Second Revolution, 1-2 (see also pp. 2, 4). Available via Women’s Studies Archive database.
  • Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. (n.d.). Our history. San Diego State University. https://womensstudies.sdsu.edu/about-us
  • Orr, C.M. (1999). Tellings of our activist pasts: Tracing the emergence of women’s studies at San Diego State College. Women’s Studies Quarterly, 27(3/4), 212–229. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40004489
  • Ristine, J. (2020, Nov. 30). Women’s Studies at 50. SDSU News. https://www.sdsu.edu/news/2020/11/womens-studies-50   
  • Russell, T., Loftin, L., & Shayne, J. (2020). The history of San Diego State University’s women’s studies program. In J. Shayne (Ed.), Persistence is resistance: Celebrating 50 years of gender, women & sexuality studies. https://uw.pressbooks.pub/happy50thws/chapter/the-history-of-san-diego-state-universitys-womens-studies-program-by-by-temperance-russell-lori-loftin-san-diego-state-university-and-julie-shayne-university-of-washington-b/   
  • Salper, R. (2011). San Diego State 1970: The initial year of the nation’s first women’s studies program. Feminist Studies, 37(3), 656–682. https://www.jstor.org/stable/23069927
  • Help women’s studies program. (1970, Aug. 21). Everywoman, 1(6), 4. Available via Women’s Studies Archive database. 
  • Some politics of women’s studies [Special issue]. (1971, May 31). NUC San Diego State College Chapter Newsletter, 8. Available via Women’s Studies Archive database.
• San Francisco State University
  • De Anda, J. (2011, Nov. 1). SF State women and gender studies department celebrates forty years. Golden Gate Xpress. https://goldengatexpress.org/14680/campus/wgs/  
• Stanford
  • Feminist Studies celebrates 20 years. (2001, July/August). Stanford Magazine. https://stanfordmag.org/contents/feminist-studies-celebrates-20-years 
  • Freedman, E. B., & Rosaldo, M. Z. (1981). A note on the perils of publicity: The Feminist Studies Program at Stanford. Women’s Studies Quarterly, 9(3), 3–3. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40003900 
• UCLA
  • Women’s studies program-UCLA. (1971, Aug. 20). Everywoman, 2(12), 19. Available via Women’s Studies Archive database. 
  • Adams, C.K. (1973, Jan. 29). Call it a miracle: Women’s studies scene. Together, 1(1). Available via Women’s Studies Archive database.
  • Adams, C.K. (1973, Jan. 29). WRC – “A room of our own”. Together, 1(1). Available via Women’s Studies Archive database.
• UC Santa Cruz
  • Priesterath, A. (2024, Dec. 18). UC Santa Cruz closes Women’s Studies Department for their 50th anniversary. University Express. https://www.uccuniversityexpress.com/latestissue/uc-santa-cruz-closes-womens-studies-department-for-their-50th-anniversary
  • Public Affairs. (2000, Mar. 28). Landmark women’s studies program turns 25. UC Santa Cruz News. https://news.ucsc.edu/2000/03/landmark-womens-studies-program-turns-25/
  • Public Affairs. (2024, Nov. 25). After 50 successful years, Feminist Studies faculty vote to disestablish the formal department, making way for more wide-ranging feminist scholarship across campus. UC Santa Cruz News. https://news.ucsc.edu/2024/11/feminist-studies/  
  • University of California, S. Cruz. Women’s Studies Dept. The wave: Women’s studies at UC Santa Cruz. Women’s Studies Dept., University of California.

Back to top

Colorado

• Heine, N. (1974, Apr.). MSC offers women’s classes. Big Mama Rag, 2(6), 10. Available via Women’s Studies Archive database.
• Weskott, M., & Victoria, G. (1992). University of Colorado: Personalized learning. In C.M. Musil (Ed.), The courage to question: Women’s studies and student learning, pp. 17-42 (ED347890). Association of American Colleges and National Women’s Studies Association. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED347890 

Connecticut

• French, L. (2024, Mar. 25). Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies turns 50. The Daily Campus. https://dailycampus.com/2024/03/25/women-gender-and-sexuality-studies-turns-50/ 
• Lodal, K.E. (2001). Engendering an intellectual space: The development of women’s studies at Yale University, 1969-2001. Davenport College. https://wgss.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/LodalEssayEngendering%20and%20IntellectualSapce.pdf  
• Murray, M. (2024, Mar. 19). A look back, a look forward with WGSS. UConn Today. https://today.uconn.edu/2024/03/a-look-back-a-look-forward-with-wgss/  

Delaware

• Igensel. (2023, Apr. 12). Women’s studies comes to Delaware. University Archives and Records Management. https://sites.udel.edu/uarm/womens-studies-comes-to-delaware/ 
• Tyrrell, K.A. (2013, Nov. 6). The evolving fabric: Women and Gender Studies celebrates 40 years at University of Delaware. UDaily. https://www1.udel.edu/udaily/2014/nov/women-gender-studies-110613.html  
• Women’s studies stifled. (1973, Winter). New Directions for Women in Delaware, 1(3), 4. Available via Women’s Studies Archive database. 

Florida

• Grasse-Stockman, M. (2021). The origins and evolution of women’s studies at Rollins College, 1980-2000. From the Rollins Archives. https://blogs.rollins.edu/libraryarchives/2021/06/09/the-origins-and-evolution-of-womens-studies-at-rollins-college-1980-2000/
• Williams, J. H. (1974). Administering a women’s studies program. Women’s Studies Newsletter, 2(3), 5–12. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40041958 

Back to top

Georgia

• Ford, C. A., & Shaw, M. E. (1983). The first women’s studies course at Georgia Southern College. Women’s Studies Quarterly, 11(2), 34–36. https://www.jstor.org/stable/25164234 
• Reid, S.A. (2017, Oct. 17). Center for Women celebrates 25 years at Emory. Emory News Center. https://news.emory.edu/stories/2017/10/er_center_for_women_anniversary/campus.html
• Sears, S. (2020). The praxis of Africana women’s studies: Lessons from Clark Atlanta University. In J. Shayne (Ed.), Persistence is resistance: Celebrating 50 years of gender, women & sexuality studies. https://uw.pressbooks.pub/happy50thws/chapter/the-praxis-of-africana-womens-studies-lessons-from-clark-atlanta-university/ 

Great Lakes Colleges Association (Indiana, Michigan, Ohio)

• Reed, B. (1978). The GLCA Women’s Studies Program: A consortial approach. Women’s Studies Newsletter, 6(1), 17–19. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40042417
• Reed, B. (1982). Transforming the academy: Twelve schools working together. Change, 14(3), 30–37. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40163694  

Hawai’i

• Goodman, M. J. (1980). Women’s studies: The case for a departmental model. Women’s Studies Newsletter, 8(4), 7–9. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40042550 
• Hughes, L., & Enright, S. (2016, Mar. 31). UH Hilo Women’s Studies program celebrates 25 years and the start of new baccalaureate degree. UH Hilo Stories. https://hilo.hawaii.edu/chancellor/stories/2016/03/31/womens-studies/ 
• Ladd, D. M., Stein, D., Harman, M., Gething, J., Kauka, A., Belshe, M., Haraway, D., & Abramson, J. (1973). Closeup: Hawaii’s Women’s Studies Program. Women’s Studies Newsletter, 1(4), 8–9. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40041868
• Pintor, C. (2025, Mar. 5). Why we should support women and gender studies at UH. Honolulu Civil Beat. https://www.civilbeat.org/2025/03/why-we-should-support-women-and-gender-studies-at-uh/ 

Idaho

Register, C. (1974). Feminism at a rural university: A report from the University of Idaho. Women’s Studies Newsletter, 2(3), 4–8. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40041956 

Illinois

• Chicago
  • Davidson, C. N. (1976). Grass roots women’s studies: Chicago. Women’s Studies Newsletter, 4(3), 5–6. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40042375 
• Illinois State University
  • Daggett, X. (2024, Apr. 4). Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies turns 50. Illinois State University News. https://news.illinoisstate.edu/2024/04/womens-gender-and-sexuality-studies-turns-50/ 
  • Warnecke, L. (2024, Apr. 24). How it started, how it’s going: ISU Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies reflects on 50 years. WGLT. https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2024-04-24/how-it-started-how-its-going-isu-womens-gender-and-sexuality-studies-reflects-on-50-years  
  • Women’s Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program. WGSS 50th anniversary: 1974-2024. Illinois State University. https://wgs.illinoisstate.edu/about/history/ 
• Illinois Wesleyan University
  • Magee, V. (2004, May 24). Women’s Studies 10th anniversary [Video]. Illinois Wesleyan University Digital Commons. https://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/specialconvos/3/ 
• Loyola University
  • Reynolds, M. (2025), Mar. 26). Women’s Studies and Gender Studies celebrates 45th anniversary. The Loyola Phoenix. https://loyolaphoenix.com/2025/03/womens-studies-and-gender-studies-celebrates-45th-anniversary/ 
• University of Illinois
  • Allen, K. (2017). Beyond women’s studies. In F.E. Hoxie (Ed.), The University of Illinois: Engine of Innovation (pp. 110–113). University of Illinois Press. https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.5406/j.ctt1m3217b.26 
  • GWS 50th Anniversary Celebration: Feminist Futures. (n.d.). Gender and Women’s Studies. University of Illinois Chicago. 

Back to top

Indiana

• Ball State University Women’s and Gender Studies Program Records – Digital collection via Ball State University Libraries
• Dobris, C.A., Turner, R.J., & Wilcox, L.B. (2022). “We changed minds”: A history of the Women’s Studies Program at IUPUI. In A. Walton (Ed.), Women at Indiana University: 150 Years of Experiences and Contributions (pp. 339–361). Indiana University Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv2kqwz1r.18 
• Meek, J. (2023, Mar. 29). At 50 years and counting, Purdue Fort Wayne’s Women’s Studies Program is golden [Audio]. 89.1 WBOI. https://www.wboi.org/arts-culture/2023-03-29/at-50-years-and-counting-purdue-fort-waynes-women-studies-program-is-golden 
• Sebring, B. (2023, Mar. 14). Women’s studies celebrating 50 years at PFW. Purdue University Fort Wayne News. https://www.pfw.edu/news-center/womens-studies-celebrating-50-years-pfw

Iowa

• Daly, B. (1999). Listening to young feminists at Iowa State University: What do they say about revising the women’s studies curriculum? Hurricane Alice, 14(4), 4. https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/listening-young-feminists-at-iowa-state/docview/220520124/se-2 
• University of Northern Iowa Women’s and Gender Studies Program. (2017). WGS 40th anniversary slideshow presentation. Women’s and Gender Studies Program Documents. 97. https://scholarworks.uni.edu/wgs_documents/97 

Maryland

• Harriet Tubman Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. History. University of Maryland. https://wgss.umd.edu/about/history
• Hedges, E. (1974). Women’s studies at a state college. Women’s Studies Newsletter, 2/3(4/1), 5–6. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40042348 
• Vann, B.H., & Gallman, J.M. (1992). Politics and pedegogy [sic]: The creation of a gender studies minor at a Jesuit college. Transformations: The Journal of Inclusive Scholarship and Pedagogy, 3(2), 47–56. https://www.jstor.org/stable/43505736

Massachusetts

• Arthur, E., & Avakian, A. (n.d.). A written history of WGSS. University of Massachusetts Amherst Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies. https://www.umass.edu/women-gender-sexuality/about/history 
• Hertz, R., & Reverbby, S. (1992). Wellesley College: Counting the meanings. In C.M. Musil (Ed.), The courage to question: Women’s studies and student learning, pp. 109-131 (ED347890). Association of American Colleges and National Women’s Studies Association. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED347890
• Perry, R., Antler, J., Fall, R., Frader, L.L., Green, C.H., Haber, B., Jardine, A., & Romero, C.Z. (1996). Inventing a feminist institution in Boston: An informal history of the Graduate Consortium in Women’s Studies at Radcliffe College. NWSA Journal, 8(2), 60–83. https://www.jstor.org/stable/4316440
• Rowe, K. (1994, Nov. 2). Women’s Studies notes anniversary. MIT News. https://news.mit.edu/1994/womens-studies-1102 
• Wiley, A.M. (2002). Sustaining and disbanding the Women’s Studies Committee at Greenfield Community College. Women’s Studies Quarterly, 30(3/4), 126–137. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40003249
• Wright, S.H. (2005, Feb. 7). Women’s studies program celebrates 20 years. MIT News. https://news.mit.edu/2005/womens-studies-program-celebrates-20-years   

Michigan

• Favre, A. (2025, Mar. 11). EMU celebrates the 50 year anniversary of Women’s and Gender Studies. The Eastern Echo. https://www.easternecho.com/article/2025/03/emu-celebrates-the-50-year-anniversary-of-womens-and-gender-studies 
• Kleiner, L. (1972, Sept.). Studying the invisible half. Her-Self, 1(4), 3). Available via Women’s Studies Archive database.
• Studying the invisible 53% – Women’s studies. (1973, Jan. 1). Women’s Information Network Bulletin, 2(1), 1. Available via Women’s Studies Archive database. 
• Thorne, B. (1976). Closeup: Michigan State University. Women’s Studies Newsletter, 4(2), 8–8. https://www.jstor.org/stable/25159463 
• Thorne, B. (1978). Contradictions, and a glimpse of utopia: Daily life in a university women’s studies program. Women’s Studies International Quarterly, 1(2), 201-205. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0148-0685(78)90921-1 

Back to top

Minnesota

• Bitters, J. (2013, Feb. 8). Gender, Women and Sexuality department celebrates 40 years. The Minnesota Daily. https://mndaily.com/uncategorized/gender-women-and-sexuality-department-celebrates-40-years/02/08/2013/
• Yates, G. G. (1973). Women’s Project at United Theological Seminary. Women’s Studies Newsletter, 1(4), 3–3. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40041861 

Missouri

• Burnett, B. (1976). Grass roots women’s studies: Southern Missouri. Women’s Studies Newsletter, 4(2), 1–12. https://www.jstor.org/stable/25159457
• Burnett, B. (1977). Grass roots women’s studies: Kansas City, Missouri. Women’s Studies Newsletter, 5(3), 3–4. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40042399 
• Neitz, M.J., & Gadbois, M. (1992). University of Missouri-Columbia: For women’s sake. In C.M. Musil (Ed.), The courage to question: Women’s studies and student learning, pp. 179-196 (ED347890). Association of American Colleges and National Women’s Studies Association. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED347890

Nebraska

• Rue, D. (n.d.). Women’s studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln: A brief digital history. https://unlwgshistory.wordpress.com/  
• Sunil, B. (2021, Mar. 17). UNL Women’s Center to celebrate 50 years of activism and aid. The Daily Nebraskan. https://www.dailynebraskan.com/news/unl-women-s-center-to-celebrate-50-years-of-activism-and-aid/article_d32e1dd8-86b2-11eb-8f57-5f3605d3fd25.html 

Nevada

• Brents, B. G., Hausbeck, K., Prokos, A.H., Keene, J.R., Jackson, C., & Morales, C. (2005). Response to Lois Helmbold, “Women’s studies in Sin City: Reactionary politics and feminist possibilities.” NWSA Journal, 17(3), 186–188. https://www.jstor.org/stable/4317164 
• Helmbold, L. R. (2005). Women’s studies in Sin City: Reactionary politics and feminist possibilities. NWSA Journal, 17(2), 171–177. https://www.jstor.org/stable/4317136 

New Hampshire

• Adamsky, C., Byam, M., & O’Brien, C. (1983). Weaving new connections at the University of New Hampshire. Women’s Studies Quarterly, 11(2), 33–34. https://www.jstor.org/stable/25164233 
• Dobbs, J. (1976). Grass roots women’s studies: The Nashua, New Hampshire Area. Women’s Studies Newsletter, 4(3), 1–3. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40042373 

New Jersey

• Hawkesworth, M., Hetfield, L., Balliet, B., & Morgan, J. (2009). Feminist interventions: Creating new institutional spaces for women at Rutgers. In W.R. Brown-Glaude (Ed.), Doing Diversity in Higher Education: Faculty Leaders Share Challenges and Strategies (pp. 137–165). Rutgers University Press. https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt5hj3d3.12 
• Lee, H.-L. (2002). Activism in library development: Women’s Studies at Rutgers University, 1970-1995. Libraries & Culture, 37(4), 339–362. https://www.jstor.org/stable/25549041 

New Mexico

• Baumann, M. (2017, Mar. 1). NMSU women’s’ studies program now gender and sexuality studies. Las Cruces Sun News. https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/education/nmsu/2017/03/01/nmsu-womens-studies-program-now-gender-and-sexuality-studies/98587490/ 
• Berry, E.G. (1974, Apr.). La mujer Chicana. Women’s Studies Newsletter, 5(1), 2.  Available via Women’s Studies Archive database.
• The evolving legacy: 35+ years at NMSU. (n.d.). New Mexico State University Gender and Sexuality Studies. https://genders.nmsu.edu/history.html  

Back to top

New York

• Barnard College
  • Eisenstein, H. (1978). Women’s studies at Barnard College: Alive and well and living in New York. Women’s Studies Newsletter, 6(3), 3–5. https://www.jstor.org/stable/25159475 
  • Gould, J.S. (1984). Personal reflections on building a women’s center in a women’s college. Women’s Studies Quarterly, 12(1), 4–11. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40004204 
  • Komarovsky, M., & Frank, S. (1982). Women then and now: A journey of detachment and engagement. Women’s Studies Quarterly, 10(2), 5–9. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40004060 
• Brooklyn College
  • Arvelo, A. (2024, Dec. 11). ‘And still we rise’: BC Celebrates 50 years of Women’s and Gender Studies Program through exhibit. The Brooklyn College Vanguard. https://vanguard.blog.brooklyn.edu/2024/12/and-still-we-rise-bc-celebrates-50-years-of-womens-and-gender-studies-program-through-exhibit/ 
• Colgate University
  • Hutton, L. (2019, Nov. 14). The Center for Women’s Studies celebrates 25th anniversary. Colgate University News. Colgate University. https://www.colgate.edu/news/stories/center-womens-studies-celebrates-25th-anniversary 
• College of New Rochelle
  • Henderson, K. (1973). Closeup: Women’s Studies at the College of New Rochelle. Women’s Studies Newsletter, 1(4), 8–8. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40041867 
  • McManus, B. F., & Brennan, M. (1983). Women’s studies as a catalyst for change within a women’s college: The College of New Rochelle. Women’s Studies Quarterly, 11(2), 16–18. https://www.jstor.org/stable/25164227 
• Cornell University
  • Heaney, K. (2020, Feb. 18). Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Department celebrates 50th anniversary. The Cornell Daily Sun. https://www.cornellsun.com/article/2020/02/feminist-gender-and-sexuality-studies-department-celebrates-50th-anniversary 
  • Hovis, K. (2021, Nov. 1). ‘Still a long way to go:’ Looking back on the start of women’s studies at Cornell. Cornell University Department of History. https://history.cornell.edu/news/still-long-way-go-looking-back-start-womens-studies-cornell 
  • Spitz, D. (1971, Aug. 9). Cornell Female Studies needs support. Female Liberation Newsletter, 8. Available via Women’s Studies Archive database.
• Hostos Community College
  • Fisher, J. (2002). Women’s studies without a women’s studies program: The case of Hostos Community College. Women’s Studies Quarterly, 30(3/4), 99–108. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40003247 
• Hunter College
  • Dean, N., & Pomeroy, S. B. (1980). Introduction to Women’s Studies: New textbook being developed at Hunter College. Women’s Studies Newsletter, 8(2), 28–28. https://www.jstor.org/stable/42796641 
  • Helly, D. O. (1983). Women’s studies at Hunter College: Strategies in an institutional environment. Women’s Studies Quarterly, 11(1), 41–44. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40004669 
  • Paludi, M., & Tronto, J. (1992). CUNY-Hunter College: Feminist education. In C.M. Musil (Ed.), The courage to question: Women’s studies and student learning, pp. 133-155 (ED347890). Association of American Colleges and National Women’s Studies Association. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED347890
• LaGuardia Community College
  • Clark, J.E., & Hogan, K. (2002). Doing women’s studies on the sly at LaGuardia Community College. Women’s Studies Quarterly, 30(3/4), 82–89. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40003245 
• Nassau Community College
  • Leder, S., Plotnik, M., & Venkateswaran, P. (1999). Changing concepts of activism in women’s studies: Women’s studies in a community college. Women’s Studies Quarterly, 27(3/4), 185–202. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40004487 
• NYU
  • Fisher, B.M. (2002). Women’s studies in the “women’s professions.” Women’s Studies Quarterly, 30(3/4), 294–303. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40003264 
• SUNY
  • DuBois, E. (2012). Women’s studies in the thicket of academe in the 1970s: Liz Kennedy in Buffalo. Feminist Formations, 24(3), 79–83. https://www.jstor.org/stable/41819656
  • Gambini, B. (2022, Oct. 25). Conference celebrates 50 years of women’s studies at UB. University at Buffalo News. https://arts-sciences.buffalo.edu/news-and-events/recent-news/2022/october/womens-studies-50-years.html  
  • Grahl, C., Kennedy, E., Robinson, L.S., & Zimmerman, B. (1972). Women’s studies: A case in point. Feminist Studies, 1(2), 109–120. https://doi.org/10.2307/3177643
  • Hahner, J. E. (1974). Women’s Studies at SUNY/Albany. Women’s Studies Newsletter, 2(2), 4–11. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40041940 
  • Higashi, S. (1983). Women’s studies at SUNY/Brockport: Curriculum, resources, and governance. Women’s Studies Quarterly, 11(1), 44–46. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40004670 
  • Howe, F., Stern, L., Frank, F., Schulz, J., & Farley, J. (1975). The future of women’s studies: Focus on the State University of New York. Women’s Studies Newsletter, 3(3/4), 1–8. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40041903
  • Schniedewind, N. (1978). Closeup on women’s studies courses: Women’s Image: An interdisciplinary introductory course. Women’s Studies Newsletter, 6(1), 25–26. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40042421
  • Shircliffe, B.J. (2000). Feminist reflections on university activism through women’s studies at a state university: Narratives of promise, compromise, and powerlessness. Frontiers: A Journal of Women Studies, 21(3), 38–60. https://doi.org/10.2307/3347109  

Back to top

North Carolina

• Batchelor, S. (2024, Spring). Reflection, resilience, & restoration: 40 years of women’s and gender studies at UNC Charlotte [Digital zine]. Women’s and Gender Studies, UNC Charlotte. https://heyzine.com/flip-book/dfce79dde8.html#page/1  
• Davis, M. C. (1978). Grass roots women’s studies: Piedmont, North Carolina. Women’s Studies Newsletter, 6(1), 22–25. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40042420 

Ohio

• First graduate in women’s studies helps celebrate WGSS 40th anniversary. The Ohio State University College of Arts and Sciences News. https://artsandsciences.osu.edu/news/first-graduate-womens-studies-helps-celebrate-wgss-40th-anniversary 
• Ritley, R. (1974, Jan.-Feb.). Women’s studies in Cleveland. The Cleveland Feminist, 1(5), 14-21. Available via Women’s Studies Archive database.
• Silver, L.R. (1992). Oberlin College: Self-empowerment and difference. In C.M. Musil (Ed.), The courage to question: Women’s studies and student learning, pp. 157-177 (ED347890). Association of American Colleges and National Women’s Studies Association. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED347890
• Strumingher, L.S. (1986). The birth and growth of “Friends of Women’s Studies” at the University of Cincinnati. Frontiers: A Journal of Women Studies, 8(3), 83–86. https://doi.org/10.2307/3346379 
• Sturnick, J.A. (1976). Living/learning in women’s studies. Women’s Studies Newsletter, 4(4), 9. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40042393 

Oregon

• Finke, L, Maveety, E., Shaw, C., & Ward, J. (1992). Lewis and Clark College: A single curriculum. In C.M. Musil (Ed.), The courage to question: Women’s studies and student learning, pp. 43-81 (ED347890). Association of American Colleges and National Women’s Studies Association. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED347890 
• Porter, N. (1972). Closeup: Portland State University’s program. Women’s Studies Newsletter, 1(2), 6–6. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40041830
• Porter, N., & Eileenchild, M. (1979). Collectivity in a women’s studies program: The case of Portland State. The Radical Teacher, 12, 32–43. https://www.jstor.org/stable/20709189 
• Rosbach, M. (2023, Jan. 19). Oregon State’s Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program holds 50th anniversary celebration. Oregon State University Newsroom. https://news.oregonstate.edu/news/oregon-state%E2%80%99s-women-gender-and-sexuality-studies-program-holds-50th-anniversary-celebration
• U of O position paper. (1973, Feb.). Women’s Press, 3(1), 10. Available via Women’s Studies Archive database.
• U of O press release. (1973, Feb.). Women’s Press, 3(1), 10. Available via Women’s Studies Archive database.

Pennsylvania

• Granger, B. (1972, Apr.). Proposal for a Department of Women’s Studies at the University of Pennsylvania (ED070414). Pennsylvania University, Philadelphia. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED070414 
• Wells, S.O. (2022, Sep. 22). 50 years of Pitt women’s and gender studies celebrated. University Times. https://www.utimes.pitt.edu/news/50-years-pitt-women-s-and  

Rhode Island

• Brawley, E. (2019, Nov. 18). Women’s and Gender Studies Program’s impact hailed at 25th anniversary event. Providence College News. Providence College. https://news.providence.edu/womens-and-gender-studies-programs-impact-hailed-at-25th-anniversary-event/ 
• URI Women’s Studies Program to celebrate 25 years. (2005, Mar. 3). Rhody Today. https://www.uri.edu/news/2005/03/uri-womens-studies-program-to-celebrate-25-years/ 

South Carolina

• 50th anniversary. (n.d.). University of South Carolina Department of Women’s and Gender Studies. https://oiraa.sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/artsandsciences/womens_and_gender_studies/beyond_the_classroom/50th_anniversary/ 
• Todd, L., & Todd, L. (1976). Grass roots women’s studies: South Carolina. Women’s Studies Newsletter, 4(3), 4–4. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40042374 

Tennessee

Research Clearinghouse on Women of Color and Southern Women. (1990). Center for Research on Women/Memphis State University Research Clearinghouse on Women of Color and Southern Women. Women’s Studies Quarterly, 18(1/2), 117–119. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40004029 

Texas

• Ford, J. (1974). Campus News: University of Texas/Arlington. Women’s Studies Newsletter, 2/3(4/1), 11–11. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40042353
• Ford, J., & Brown, B. (1979). Women’s centers at the University of Texas/Arlington: A model for growth. Women’s Studies Newsletter, 7(2), 20–21. https://www.jstor.org/stable/25159495  
• Sahlin, C.L. (2005). Vital to the mission and key to survival: Women’s studies at women’s colleges. NWSA Journal, 17(2), 164–170. https://www.jstor.org/stable/4317135 

Back to top

Utah

Martinez, S. (2025, Dec. 9). Fifty years of community, love, and resistance: Gender Studies at the University of Utah. University of Utah College of Humanities. https://humanities.utah.edu/news/fifty-years-of-community-love-resistance-gender-studies-at-utah.php

Virginia

• Bazin, N. T. (1991). Transforming the curriculum, the mission statement, the strategic goals: A success story. Initiatives 54(1), 39-46. ODU Commons. https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/womensstudies_fac_pubs/18/
• Fellman, A.C., & Winstead, B.A. (1992). Old Dominion University: Making connections. In C.M. Musil (Ed.), The courage to question: Women’s studies and student learning, pp. 83-108 (ED347890). Association of American Colleges and National Women’s Studies Association. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED347890 
• Henke, S. (1978). More bad news from Virginia. Women’s Studies Newsletter, 6(4), 3–3. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40042439
• Nair, L. (2021, Feb. 3). Women’s Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program celebrates 20 years. The Columns. https://columns.wlu.edu/womens-gender-and-sexuality-studies-program-celebrates-20-years/ 

Washington

• Bach, D. (2015). UW women studies department marks 45th anniversary. UW News. https://www.washington.edu/news/2015/11/06/uw-women-studies-department-marks-45th-anniversary/ 
• Coryell, J. E., & Eysenbach, M. L. (1973). Closeup: Washington Women’s Studies Program. Women’s Studies Newsletter, 1(5), 4–4. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40041920
• Yee, S. (1998). Establishing an international doctoral program in women studies at the University of Washington. Feminist Studies, 24(2), 366–373. https://doi.org/10.2307/3178704  

Washington, D.C.

• Beavers, R., Bros, C., McDonough, P., Savage, T., West, L., & Palmer, P.M. (1979). Debate on graduate women’s studies at George Washington University. Women’s Studies Newsletter, 7(1), 5–7. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40041968
• Casey, C. (2012, Oct. 11). After 25 years, Women’s and Gender STudies looks forward. The Hoya. Georgetown University. https://thehoya.com/news/after-25-years-womens-and-gender-studies-looks-forward/
• ‘Mighty’ WGSS program celebrates 50th anniversary. (2023, Apr. 26). GW Today. https://gwtoday.gwu.edu/mighty-wgss-program-celebrates-50th-anniversary 

Wisconsin

• Baumberger, E. (2025, Oct. 30). Rutgers professor talks shifting narrative, reclaiming power at UW Gender and Women’s Studies 50th Anniversary Celebration. The Daily Cardinal. https://www.dailycardinal.com/article/2025/10/rutgers-professor-talks-shifting-narrative-reclaiming-power-at-uw-gender-and-womens-studies-50th-anniversary-celebration 
• Corpora, J. (2022, Apr. 6). Celebrating 50 years of women’s studies. Exponent. https://uwpexponent.com/news/2022/04/06/celebrating-50-years-of-womens-studies/ 
• Griffith, S.C. (2002). Using women’s studies to change the university for all women: Report from University of Wisconsin-Superior. Women’s Studies Quarterly, 30(3/4), 90–98. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40003246
• Her Turn News. Gender & Women’s Studies celebrates and persists at UW Madison [Audio]. WORT. https://www.wortfm.org/gender-womens-studies-celebrates-persists-at-uw-madison/
• Merritt, K. M. (1986). A braid of associations: Ten years of women’s studies in Wisconsin. Frontiers: A Journal of Women Studies, 8(3), 20–25.
• Parkins, A. (2022, Mar. 23). Reflecting on 50 years of women’s and gender studies on campus. University of Wisconsin Platteville News. https://www.uwplatt.edu/news/reflecting-50-years-womens-and-gender-studies-campus
• Sister Joel Read. (1973). Letter from Alverno College. Women’s Studies Newsletter, 1(5), 3–3. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40041918 
• University of Wisconsin System & Women’s Studies Consortium. (1999). Transforming women’s education: The history of women’s studies in the University of Wisconsin System. Office of University Publications for the University of Wisconsin System Women’s Studies Consortium.
• UWM News. Women’s Studies celebrates 40 years at UWM. UWM Report. https://uwm.edu/news/womens-studies-celebrates-40-years-at-uwm/ 
• WGS timeline (n.d.). University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. https://www.uwosh.edu/wgs/history/

Back to top