President Emerita Peggy R. Williams has been elected to the board of directors of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), a national organization that advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. She was among 10 directors-at-large elected by the AAUW membership to serve a two-year term on the board.
“I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to focus some time and energy on critical issues affecting the quality of life for women and girls,” said Williams. “AAUW’s work to advance equity — particularly in breaking through educational and economic barriers for women and girls — resonates with work I have done in other arenas over the course of my professional life.”
AAUW board members work in partnership with the executive director and staff in shaping implementation of the organization’s mission and vision. Among other duties, they are responsible for representing and promoting AAUW to its members and the public, participating in strategic thinking to provide organizational direction linked with sustainable resources and measurable outcomes, appraising and recommending public policy programs and priorities, and serving on working groups, task forces or special committees.
Williams brings a lengthy record of achievement and advocacy on behalf of women and girls to her role with the AAUW. She served for many years on the American Council on Education (ACE) Commission on Women in Higher Education, including a term as commission chair. She also played a significant role in promoting women’s leadership through collegiate sports while serving on the NCAA Presidents Council Subcommittee on Gender and Diversity Issues. During her tenure at IC, the college joined AAUW’s college and university partner program and she participated in the rejuvenation of the New York State ACE Women’s Network in the Southern Tier region.
https://www.ithaca.edu/intercom/article.php/20110804134003742