The Clemson University Commission on Women presented its 2022 Awards of Excellence for the Advancement of Women in a ceremony on April 8.
The awards are presented in five categories. This year’s winners were:
- Faculty — Heather Hensman Kettrey, assistant professor of sociology
- Staff — Jodi M. Cox, director of graduate training and mentoring for the Graduate School
- Graduate student — Missoury Lytle, doctoral student in chemical and biomolecular engineering
- Undergraduate student — Serena N. Gilmore, bioengineering
- Gender Equity Champion — Jennifer H. Ogle, chair and professor in the Glenn Department of Civil Engineering.
The commission annually honors individuals who make outstanding contributions to improving the quality of life for women and inspire women’s leadership and success at Clemson University. The awards honor women whose actions and accomplishments meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Demonstrates a commitment to advancing gender equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Engages in work that positively affects women’s lives, especially Clemson University faculty, staff and students.
- Serves as a role model or mentor in the lives of Clemson University women.
- Serves as a role model or mentor within the community. Exhibits active involvement in causes and organizations directly impacting the status of women (e.g., pay equity, violence against women, women’s health, etc.).
Heather Hensman Kettrey
Kettrey received the award for her research, which focuses on power, violence and inequality specifically pertaining to gender, sexuality and race. She developed a course on sexual assault and intimate partner violence that supports a safe space for students to discuss related issues, especially those impacted by intimate partner violence.
Jodi M. Cox
Cox directs and manages programs and services for GRAD 360°, the Graduate School’s comprehensive professional development program for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. She was a leader on the planning committee for the inaugural Women’s Roundtable Summit, a highly successful developmental and networking event that acknowledges, explores and invests in the promotion of the experiences of girls and women, particularly in STEM fields.
Missoury Lytle
Lytle co-founded a Clemson chapter of Women in Chemical Engineering (WChE). WChE focuses on advocating for women in chemical engineering and supporting their success. She also co-chaired the organizing committee for the 2022 Women’s Celebration Month and led an effort to provide free menstrual products to women in Earle Hall.
Serena N. Gilmore
Gilmore is a member of the Black Honors Association and used her connections to the club to encourage Black women to thrive academically and recruit them into that space. She has volunteered with the Paw Pantry, tackling the problem of food and resource insecurity that is prevalent among students on college campuses. While working as the co-director, she successfully increased donations of feminine hygiene products and food items that reflect the variety of cultures on Clemson’s campus. Additionally, she has volunteered at a domestic violence shelter to help women and their children get through difficult times.
Jennifer Ogle
Ogle has dedicated her life to research and education, primarily in transportation safety, human factors, road design, student success/belongingness and international service learning. She is active nationally in promoting women in engineering. She has worked with the U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary’s Office and Women’s Transportation Seminar International to develop a national mentor program for females interested in transportation. She was recognized by President Barack Obama as a Champion of Change for Women in STEM.
“I consider myself to be very fortunate to be at a University that has a strong, active and passionate Women’s Commission,” said President Jim Clements during his remarks at the event. “I want to extend my congratulations to the award recipients, [and] I want to express my gratitude to each of them for their hard work and dedication to this University. You are all leaders and mentors, and you are helping Clemson to be a better University for the future generations of women who will study here or work here.”
About the Commission on Women
The Clemson University Commission on Women was established to improve the quality of life for women at Clemson. The commission’s charge is to discern the status of women at Clemson University and document findings; discover and pursue the removal of institutional barriers identified by the commission; collect information and/or conduct research regarding issues affecting women, including the study of practices followed at other Universities’ Commissions on Women; and explore problem areas limiting equal opportunities and advancement.