The Center's History

In the early 1980's, Northern Kentucky University's Office of Admissions saw a change in the type of students registering. They were returning students who had different needs than the traditional student. In 1979, the Office of Admissions, especially Susan Kemper, formed a peer-support group to help meet the needs of some of the returning students. The group met to share their problems and gain help in coping with the return to school.

Also at this time support and encouragement for the Women's Movement was at a peak in the United States. This attitude across the nation helped many to become more aware of the needs of returning female students which were the fastest growing segment of students on campus at Northern Kentucky University. Many of these women needed help with issues such as coordinating childcare with their school schedules, coping with interrupted work and educational patterns caused by marriage and family obligation, and receiving very little encouragement upon reaching their educational goals. These problems were unique and alien to male students. For these reasons, meetings were held to draft a proposal for the Women's Center which could provide assistance in various ways.

The Women's Center could provide a place for women to call when in need of information about health services, day care, professional testing, and counseling, and could serve the surrounding communities as a central referral service for such needs. It was felt that the cost effectiveness of such a center with a well-publicized phone number, a permanent location and a responsive personnel would in turn provide a cost savings in publicity, retention and recruitment. It was also felt that a Women's Center would provide community workshops, seminars, and other programs which would attract many people who would otherwise never come to the campus. It was proposed that a center of this kind would not only enhance the university's Affirmative Action Plan but it would also serve as a model in meeting the needs of women in a changing society.

Many felt that if a Women's Center was developed than a Men's Center should also be created. Susan Kissel, Billie Brandon, and others addressed the Senate with the main reasons and the justification for the Center. The main issue being that most females had to overcome many more obstacles than males. One example sighted was a woman whose husband was so threatened by her returning to school that he placed the car on blocks to keep her from attending classes. Very few men have to deal with this type of obstacle. In spite of all the controversy, the Proposal for the Women's Center passed overwhelmingly.

In the fall of 1984 the Women's Center opened. Issues that were explored with workshops were family holiday stress, chemical dependency, self-esteem/self-assertion, pre and post divorce consultations, time management, relationship issues, legal issues, and women's health concerns. Referrals of social services and support services were given as needed, and Women's Week Activities were sponsored by the Women's Center.

As time went by the focus of the Women's Center became less of a social support service and began placing more focus on providing educational support. In 1988, Katherine Meyer became the new director. Katherine sponsored workshops to raise students' consciousness regarding racism, sexism and sexual harassment. In addition to these programs, the center still provides referral services.


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