Plymouth State University > Centers and Services > President’s Commission on the Status of Women

President’s Commission on the Status of Women

The President’s Commission on the Status of Women is a group of staff, faculty, and students dedicated to women’s issues and issues of gender equality at Plymouth State University. Through campus events, community outreach, and collaboration with other campus offices, we encourage a climate of equal educational and employment opportunities for people of all genders. For more information, please e-mail psu-pcsw@plymouth.edu.

Our Mission

The President’s Commission on the Status of Women was first established by President William Farrell in 1991. It is comprised of PSU community members including undergraduate, non-traditional, and graduate students, as well as Operating Staff, PAT’s and Faculty.

Our mission is six-fold:

  • To identify broad-based and special concerns for women’s issues and issues of gender equality at Plymouth State University.
  • To create and recommend policies to improve the climate for women and guarantee an environment of equal educational and employment opportunities.
  • To collaborate with existing organizations to promote a non-sexist and nondiscriminatory environment.
  • To inform the University community on the status of women by collecting data, initiating and supporting outreach programs, and by preparing and disseminating informational publications.
  • To help women develop their skills, continue their education and increase networking by suggesting, and assisting in, the implementation of informational and educational programs.
  • To stimulate thinking regarding the basic social changes occurring in our society as newly defined roles for all genders emerge.

New Hampshire Young Women’s Conference

The annual New Hampshire Young Women’s Conference, hosted by the President’s Commission on the Status of Women, promotes the empowerment of girls and young women throughout the state. We aim to provide middle and high school-age girls with a safe and supportive space to discuss important topics, participate in themed workshops, pick up valuable resources at information booths, and connect with other young women in New Hampshire.

Theo Kalikow Awards

Each year, the President’s Commission on the Status of Women recognizes campus community members and members of the greater community for their efforts toward the advancement of women and women’s issues. To this end, the commission grants three annual awards: the Student Powerful Outstanding Women’s Advocate, the Community Member Powerful Outstanding Women’s Advocate, and the Theo Kalikow Award.

Recent Award Recipients

Theo Kalikow Recipients

This award honors a faculty or staff member who has significantly contributed to the advancement of women’s issues.

  • Courtney O’Clair (2021)
  • Melissa McClinton (2020)
  • Stephanie Halter (2019)
  • Kristin Stelmok (2018)
  • Dr. Emma Wright (2017)

Student POWA (Powerful Outstanding Women’s Advocate)

This award honors a Plymouth State University student who has significantly contributed to the advancement of women’s issues while a student at PSU.

  • Sally C. Cederberg and Grace McKeon (2021)
  • Ashley Hichborn (2020)
  • Christine McElreavy (2019)
  • Paige Schoppmann and Madison Roberge (2018)
  • Taylor Fournier (2017)

The Community Member POWA (Powerful Outstanding Women’s Advocate)

This award is given to a member in the greater Plymouth area who has significantly contributed to the advancement of women’s issues.

  • Mary Ann McRae (2021)
  • Cayla Slaughter Esq. (2020)
  • Patti Biederman (2019)
  • Maryann and Melinda Barnsley (2018)
  • Tina E. last name purposefully withheld (2017)

Presidents Commission on the Status of Women Internal Site

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