History

At the 1993 Women's Studies faculty retreat, sponsored by the Women's Research Institute (WRI), attendees voted to create a Faculty Women's Association (FWA) on campus to address issues of interest to them. A committee formed and met during fall 1993 to plan the organization. In December 1993, a letter signed by the ten committee members was sent to faculty women explaining the concept. All faculty women were invited to a meeting held 3 January 1994, when a nominating committee was formed. Later a bylaws committee was assembled to draft Association bylaws. Elections for initial FWA officers were held spring 1994 and activities were planned for the 1994–1995 academic year.

Activities have generally included several meetings during each year on various topics and in diverse formats. They are intended to assist women faculty in their professional roles, share research, and mingle with colleagues. Beginning in 1998, the FWA took the lead in planning and sponsoring the annual retreat.