Welcome
from FWA President, Gina Woodall
Dear Colleagues,
Welcome back to the 2024-2025 academic year! I am thrilled to serve as your FWA President. I am the first (and certainly not the last) career-track faculty to hold this title. Additionally, I am honored to serve during the FWA’s 70th year anniversary! Since 1954, the FWA has provided resources and programming to support all faculty at ASU and for this 70th year, we will continue to provide meaningful workshops and events while honoring all that has been accomplished.
The theme for this year is revaluing caregiving, especially within the academic world. I was inspired by Ann-Marie Slaughter’s 2015 book, Unfinished Business: Women, Men, Work, Family, and wish to elevate discussions of caregiving-whether that be for children, parents, or close friends and neighbors- and work. Throughout the year, we will provide programming that centers on caregiving and the academy as well as honoring the 70-year legacy of the FWA. Of course, we will also host our signature workshops focused on faculty success.
Save the Date for the FWA’s Fall Welcome Reception on November 6
Please save the date for our Fall Welcome Reception, scheduled for November 6th from 2-4 PM at Old Main in the Carson Ballroom. You will enjoy this venue’s historic charm! It is always my favorite event, a chance to see old friends and meet new ones. Both President Michael Crow and University Provost Nancy Gonzales will be in attendance to welcome you and give a few remarks. Please visit fwa.org.asu.edu in early September for information on how to register for the reception.
Exciting Plans, Partnership and Leadership
At the beginning of 2024, the FWA’s executive board began the “re-visioning” process specific to FWA’s mission, the board composition, and its offerings. We will keep you “in the know” regarding our efforts and will be asking for your help in growing our board. Additionally, in late spring we learned that the FWA transferred from the Provost’s Office management to the Office of Inclusive Excellence. With this change came staff changes, and we would like to thank Karen Engler-Weber, FWA’s program director for 16 years, for her hard work, institutional knowledge of the FWA, and kindness. We would also like to welcome new staff: Nicole Macias, Chester Jacinto, and Debbie Tibbs-Collins. We know we are in good hands with their support.
Finally, please help me in welcoming the FWA’s President-Elect, Professor Yun Kang. Dr. Kang has been an integral part of our Board and led efforts on streamlining the FWA’s mentoring and graduate student awards. Dr. Kang’s attention to detail, innovative ideas, and experience will help move the FWA well beyond its 70th year.
Get Connected by Joining the FWA If you are not already a member or if you want to be included on our listserv, please contact the FWA at fwa@asu.edu. Also, remember to join us throughout the year in our workshops and other events, and bring a friend. The FWA is open to all faculty; please spread the word! On behalf of myself, FWA President-Elect Yun Kang, the FWA Board and staff, welcome! I look forward to our conversations.
Best,
Gina Woodall
Teaching Professor, School of Politics and Global Studies
FWA President