The College of Arts and Sciences at Kent State University in Ohio has announced the formation of the Center for the Study of Gender and Sexuality. The center’s mission is to enhance and integrate the university women’s studies and LGBT studies programs.
Leading the efforts to develop the new center will be Molly Merryman, an associate professor of sociology and coordinator of the LGBT studies program, and Suzanne L. Holt, an associate professor and director of the women’s studies program since 2008.
Dr. Merryman stated that “this center will once again place Kent State University at the vanguard of critical scholarly inquiry and pedagogy by pulling together the stellar researchers and instructors already here with a united scholastic vision. It also will provide a supportive yet challenging classroom environment for our students, particularly for those who are sexual minorities, and will enhance already existing academic disciplines.”
Dr. Merryman is a graduate of Ashland University in Ohio. She earned a master’s degree in journalism at Ohio State University and a Ph.D. in American culture studies at Bowling Green State University in Ohio.