Jacksonville University ’ s Center for Gender + Sexuality kicked off its inaugural year with a boost from the Jessie Ball DuPont Fund . The organization is committing $ 110,727 in grant funding over three years to the center , aimed at launching mentorship programs , developing new courses in Women ’ s and Gender Studies and creating a campus-wide initiative to promote the growth and well-being of women and members of the LGBTQIAA + community .
The CG + S , announced in 2022 , is led by Dr . Sarah Parker . The center , located in Swisher Library , is a welcoming , centralized interactive space for students looking for resources , events and mentorship opportunities . Aside from directly supporting students , the center aims to create a more inclusive campus environment for all members of the JU community .
“ The generosity of the Jessie Ball duPont Fund allows JU ’ s Center for Gender + Sexuality to create a range of engaging , meaningful opportunities for the entire JU campus ,” Dr . Parker said . “ The duPont Fund grant is truly a game changer for the Center for Gender + Sexuality ’ s mission to nurture the growth , productivity , and wellbeing of LGBTQIAA + people and women , and we are immensely grateful to have such strong support from an organization that does so much for the Jacksonville community .”
The CG + S will also help to promote the Women ’ s and Gender Studies minor at Jacksonville University and connect students with health and wellness resources specifically designed for LGBTQIAA + people and women . With the funds , Jacksonville University plans to add eight new courses in women ’ s and gender studies in the next three years .
Dr . Parker , also an Associate Professor of English with a Ph . D . in English and Comparative Literature from the University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill , was named to her role as director this summer . In her time at Jacksonville University , she has demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive campus environment , serving as the faculty advisor to the Gender and Sexuality Alliance student group ( GSA ) and working to promote course offerings and undergraduate research opportunities in the Women ’ s and Gender Studies minor . Her research currently focuses on women in early modern science and medicine .
“ We are excited to organize events that reach students , faculty , and staff on JU ’ s campus while also connecting students to new academic and internship opportunities ,” Parker said .
BY KATIE GARWOOD
The Center for Gender + Sexuality will emphasize experiential learning and leadership opportunities for LGBTQIAA + students . Several faculty members will receive training from the center this school year , enabling more people on campus to effectively respond to and mentor LGBTQIAA + students on campus .