The University of Toledo appointed new leadership to the Catharine S. Eberly Center for Women, which promotes the personal and professional advancement of women at UT and in the surrounding community and offers scholarships to UT students.

Dr. Kim Nielsen, professor of disability studies, history and women’s and gender studies, will serve as interim director through August 2019.

Danielle Stamper, program coordinator for the UT Office of Multicultural Student Success, was named interim program manager during that same period.

Nielsen and Stamper take over day-to-day administrative operations as UT launches a search for a new executive director to replace Dr. Shanda Gore, who continues to serve as the executive director of the Minority Business Development Center.

“We thank Dr. Shanda Gore for her leadership and service to the Eberly Center,” Dr. Phillip “Flapp” Cockrell, vice president for student affairs, said. “I welcome Dr. Kim Nielsen and Danielle Stamper to the center. They bring a wealth of proven leadership and experience reflective of the core mission and values of the Eberly Center.”

The Eberly Center reports to both the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Division of Student Affairs.

“The new leaders are responsible for implementing high-impact programs, engaging internal and external stakeholders, promoting student success and student well-being, and strategically increasing the visibility of the Eberly Center,” Dr. Willie McKether, vice president for diversity and inclusion, said.

The Eberly Center hosts programming and services to empower women and guide them on their careers and community engagement to enable them to reach their highest potential. The Eberly Center offers personal and professional development classes and is home to Kate’s Closet, a professional women’s clothing closet providing complimentary professional attire to UT students and clients of the center.

“This responsibility and opportunity is an honor,” Nielsen said. “Since its founding in 1977, the Eberly Center has always been an important resource for both the UT community and the greater Toledo community. The Eberly Center seeks to bring hope and growth to women, provide resources for all who seek to support women, and welcome those committed to gender justice and equality. I invite all to stop by to say hello and use the space to study, have an organizational meeting, ask questions, use Kate’s Closet, learn about our scholarships, try the computer lab, or just relax.”

“Women’s centers have a rich history of not only empowering women, but also working toward gender equity and inclusion within the institution,” Stamper said. “I look forward to connecting my baccalaureate and professional experiences to continue growing as a student affairs practitioner.”

The Eberly Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.