Faust to head Women's Studies program

Students, colleagues praise the History prof Drew Faust has never taught a Women's Studies class in her career. But her appointment as director of the program has her colleagues and students enthusiastic nonetheless. Faust, who has received both the Lindback Award and Ira Abram's Award as a History professor, said she is still figuring out her new duties. She emphasized that she is eager to learn and is zealous about the Women's Studies program. Women's Studies Co-Director Demie Kurz praised Faust's record on gender issues. Faust's recent book Mothers of Invention: Women of the Slaveholding South in the American Civil War expressed her dedication to women's issues, Kurz said. "I also incorporate a lot of issues having to do with gender in my classes," Faust said. Faust will be honored at the 25th anniversary reception for Women's Studies faculty members to be held on October 3. "One of the first things I want to do is generate a conversation with those interested in [Women's Studies] as to what it should be on its 25th anniversary," Faust said. She added that affiliated faculty members as well as outside colleagues will review the program to determine its strengths and weaknesses. Faust said she also wants the female perspective to be sufficiently covered in all University classes, regardless of whether the courses are cross-referenced to the Women's Studies program. "To teach any History course without teaching gender issues is an omission," Faust said. College sophomore Emily Eisenstein praised Faust's style of incorporating women's issues into her broader lecture topics. "It was such a different take from anything I'd ever heard," said Eisenstein, who was in Faust's History 171: "History of the American South, 1865-present" last semester. College of Arts and Sciences Dean Robert Rescorla, who appointed Faust, said it is important for faculty members of Faust's stature to head undergraduate departments and programs. "She's clearly one of our most eminent faculty members," Rescorla said. "Drew Faust's name came up? and there was immediate enthusiasm." Faust's colleagues cite her scholarship, teaching and service to the University as assets that will greatly benefit the Women's Studies program. English Professor Maureen Quilligan praised Faust's scholarship and "impeccable credentials in women's history." "I think the appointment of Drew Faust to be director of the Women's Studies program is brilliant," said Quilligan, an affiliated Women's Studies faculty member. "[She] is a wonderful human being -- smart, savvy, humane and in all ways an excellent choice for the post," Quilligan added.