Changing Landscapes: From "The ASU Story" to Modern A-State

Faculty Women's Club

The Faculty Women's Club at Arkansas State University is often overlooked when it comes to examining the University’s diverse faculty and staff. It was founded in 1938 and originally focused on the needs of the college and be a forum for the wives of the faculty. Eventually, it grew to include the female faculty. It is something not even mentioned on the historical timeline of A-States’ own historical timeline. It was not only a societal gathering of female faculty but also of the wives of faculty. The Faculty Women's Club often participated in social gatherings and the organization of faculty events. They also had scholarships that they used to help students, such as, the Ruby I, Reng Scholarship.

The By-Laws of the Faculty Women's Club was reviewed every two years. They state the purpose and mission which was to encourage a spirit of community among women among women faculty member and the wives of faculty members. It also stated the duties of the officers within the organization and the requirements for joining the organization itself. The By-Laws also refer to honored membership to the retired female faculty, the wives of retired faculty, and the widows of the faculty. By offering an honored membership the member would not have to pay dues to continue to stay apart of the organization. Minutes from the Faculty Women's Club reveal that the wives of prominent figures in Arkansas State’s history often served as leaders of the club. One example is Mrs. Dean Ellis, who served as chairman in 1955-1956.

In the Arkansas State University Archives, records of some of their social meetings have been kept. One that is particularly interesting occurred October 17th, 1987. At this fall business meeting Ann Smith, a member of the club, presented a slide show of her tour of Saudi Arabia. There was a customs operations training program for Saudi Arabian Students at ASU and because of her involvement with the program, a Sheik invited her husband and her on a tour of his country. Her presentation was focused on the culture, food, dress, climate, and architecture of the country. While Mrs. Smith tried to make it entertaining she really wanted to educate the ladies on the differences between their cultures and its importance. The Faculty Women's Club not only was for social gatherings and party planning but also for education and sharing information with each other to grow intellectually. [1]


 

[1]​​ ​​​​​  MS, Faculty Women's Club, 1946-2007, Arkansas State University.


 

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