The UT Martin Center for Women and Gender Equality, originally called the Women’s Center, was established in 2008 by Dr. Teresa Collard, a now-retired Mass Media and Strategic Communication faculty member.
The Women’s Center focused on making a safe and welcoming environment for women. They helped women feel included, especially in male-dominated fields.
When the current director, Dr. Renee LaFleur, took over in 2018, she renamed it The Center for Women and Gender Equality.
“The Center’s mission is to create community, educate, and advocate for gender equality,” said LaFleur, who also is a UT Martin professor of History.
“The Center provides students with a space where they can find community and belonging. We offer services to meet student needs like free period supplies and pregnancy tests. And we create programs to encourage and promote diversity,” LaFleur said.
The Center is there to help with personal health or any other problems, and they will push and encourage everyone to try new programs and meet new people. If anyone just needs a space to feel secure, the Center also offers that safe space.
The Center is located on the second floor of the Paul Meek Library past the computer lab. It is open from 1-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The Center currently has two student workers, but, if you really want to get involved with the Center’s work, you can join one of the organizations affiliated with the Center, such as the Women’s Student Alliance and Spectrum. These groups collaborate with the Center to develop programs for students.
For more information, contact LaFleur via email at rlafleur@utm.edu or call 731-881-1658.
