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All TCU. All the time.

TCU 360

TCU 360

All TCU. All the time.

TCU 360

Students discuss religious topics in a small group. (Photo courtesy of tcuwesley.org)
Wednesday nights at TCU’s Methodist campus ministry provide religious exploration and fellowship
By Boots Giblin, Staff Writer
Published Mar 27, 2024
Students at the Wesley said they found community on Wednesday nights.

    TCU Women’s Studies program changes name to Women and Gender Studies

    TCU Women’s Studies program changes name to Women and Gender Studies

    The TCU Women’s Studies program marked its 20th anniversary this year by changing its name to Women and Gender Studies in an effort to broaden its outlook, said Theresa Gaul, the program’s director.

    “The name change reflects the current state of the curriculum and field,” Gaul said.

    Kaleigh Wyrick, a graduate assistant to the women and gender studies program, said it is important to understand what society considers masculine and feminine and why we value those qualities.

    Gaul said, in addition to examining women’s roles, there is now an effort to understand men’s roles. Gaul said she and other members of the program are hoping to increase male involvement by adding “gender” to the name of the program.

    “We continue to be concerned about women’s obstacles, but we are also interested in the broader, more inclusive concept of gender, and how gender shapes people’s lives,” Wyrick said.

    Wyrick said the program is making an effort to highlight social justice and humanity. The goal is for everyone to be equal, she said.

    Women’s Studies started in 1994. Now, the program could not be stronger, Wyrick said.

    The number of students enrolled in the program has almost tripled over the last two years. The program now has 80 students and 70 faculty members, and it offers many more courses for students than it previously did.

    Students are also pleased with the new title.

    “I support the change fully,” said Jon Turner, a secondary education major and the only undergraduate male in the program.

    Turner said the new title more “authentically represents the goals and responsibilities of the organization.”

    The TCU environment is “warm, inclusive and welcoming, especially from WGST faculty and like-minded peers,” Turner said.

    Tammie Rhinehart, a junior communication studies major, said having women and men in the program is important.

    In addition, Rhinehart said men will gain a better understanding of women’s roles and struggles. With that understanding, males could help make changes in the status quo of society, said Rhinehart.

    “Males need to be a part of the program in order to bring diversity to views on topics,” Rhinehart said.