Catharine S. Eberly Center for Women

Influential UToledo Women

Champions 

Mattie McAlister: Educator, leader, and mentor. Developed mentorship program for new TPS teachers and the tutoring program at Grace Community Center. Masters (1985), Judith Herb College of Education.

Karen Bach: A student leader in the field of medicine, she serves on the national executive board of the Asian Pacific American Medical Students Association, leading initiatives and directing projects aimed at improving the health and well-being of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, & Pacific Islander community. Doctor of Medicine, College of Medicine and Life Sciences (expected 2023).

Jamie Barlowe, Ph.D.: A long-time force for racial and gender justice on campus, she served as the founding chair of the Department of Women's and Gender Studies. Faculty & Dean, College of Arts and Letters, Special Appointment, Office of the Provost.

Malaika Bell: A passionate DEI leader, teaching mentees how to be authentic and inspire others, working towards a more inclusive UToledo. Staff, Center for Success Coaching (2013 - 2018), Diversity and Inclusion (2018 - 2020). Director, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (2020 - present).

Karen Bjorkman, Ph.D.: Nationally recognized astrophysics scholar and student success advocate. Founding Dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Faculty (2003 – present), Chair (2008-2010), Dean (2010-2019), College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics; Distinguished University Professor (2009); Provost (2019-2022).

Shirley Bodi, MD: Implemented of a new branch to the UTCOM curriculum that better prepares students for clinical medicine and creates various volunteering/shadowing opportunities for students to get involved in, including the Opening Minds through Art organization. Faculty, College of Medicine and Life Sciences.

Tricia Cullop: A trailblazer in women's basketball, she transformed the Rockets Women's Basketball program into a nationally-recognized team, winning three MAC Championships in 2011, 2013, and 2022. She was named MAC coach of the year in 2009, 2011, 2013, and 2022. Head Coach, Women's Basketball.

Adrienne Curtis: Local educator, poet, and owner of Bloomin’ Optimists’ Shop. Bachelors (1923), College of Arts and Letters.

Debra Dauer: Civil Engineer and board member for the Alumni Association and Aurora Project. Bachelors (1981), College of Engineering.

Anita Easterly, Ph.D.: Educator and advocate for student-centered approaches on the Health Science Campus. Bachelors, Masters, Doctorate (2019), Judith Herb College of Education. Staff (1998 – present), College of Medicine and Life Sciences.

Catharine S. Eberly: A strong proponent of women’s education, the Center for Women was named after Eberly to honor her legacy. Alumna (1944); Center for Women Advisory Board (1977-1979); Trustee (1974-1979).  

Jamie Fager: Driven and dedicated servant leader. Bachelors (2007), Masters (2011) College of Business and Innovation. Staff (2008-2011); & Staff (2015 – present), College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

Teresa Fedor: A prominent Ohio politician and educator, she served in the Ohio legislature for more than 20 years. During her political career, Fedor advocated for women's health, reproductive justice, and survivors of human trafficking. Bachelors (1983), Judith Herb College of Education.

Viviana P. Ferreira, D.V.M., Ph.D.: A highly accomplished educator and researcher committed to growing the field of immunology. Faculty, College of Medicine and Life Sciences (2009 - Present).

Deb Flores: Featured in UToledo’s first instillation of its “Inclusive Hall of Fame”, a prolific Latina leader in northwest Ohio, Flores is credited with establishing programs such as Healthy Living for Children.  Bachelors (1990) College of Health and Human Services; Masters (1997) College of Arts and Letters.

Barbara Floyd: University archivist and a widely-published historian with a strong record of advocacy for public history. Bachelors (1980), Masters (1982), Masters in Public Administration (1989); University Archivist, Director and Faculty, University Libraries (1986 - 2017).

Edith Franklin: Alumna and founder of Toledo's Potter's Guild. Edith’s artwork has been displayed in the Toledo Museum of Art, the University of Toledo, the Columbus Museum of Art, and in various Midwestern exhibitions. Bachelors (1984), College of Arts and Letters.

Jannet Frias: A first-generation student, Jannet graduated magna cum laude before returning for her master’s in educational administration and supervision. Jannet is involved in leadership positions, a member of Blue Key National Honor Society, and a Graduate Assistant in the Division of Student Affairs. Bachelors (2022), Judith Herb College of Education.

Madeline Gerdes: Ambassador for the College of Medicine, EMT, and volunteer for local free clinics and Central America medical mission trips. Doctor of Medicine, College of Medicine and Life Sciences (expected 2024).

Taylor Gies: A servant leader with almost 2,000 hours of community service since the start of her college career. Bachelors, College of Engineering (expected 2024).

Mary Gillham: A highly accomplished senior leader at UToledo, and one of the few women in leadership, she helped establish the fundraising group Friends of the University of Toledo Library (1936-1967) and advocated for a new building in 1952 which is named after her today. Bachelors (1927) and Masters (1931), College of Arts and Letters; Director, University of Toledo Libraries (1921 - 1969).

Amira Gohara, MD: A resident, educator, administrator and gentle but fierce advocate for learners, Gohara has left her impression on thousands of medical students, trainees and fellow faculty members over the past 52 years. Faculty & Chair, College of Medicine and Life Sciences.

Maria Gonzalez: Established and leads Club Taino Puertorriqueno and volunteers as an interpreter in local health clinics. Associates (2019) College of Business and Innovation; Staff (2017-2021).

Chelsea Griffis, Ph.D.: Student-centered educator, focused on experiential and accessible learning. Masters (2013), Doctorate (2014), Faculty (2014 – present), College of Arts and Letters.

Renee Heberle, Ph.D.: Founder of UToledo’s Inside-Out Student Exchange Program and People for Change, Dr. Heberle is paving the way to a more effective criminal justice system and bringing education to those marginalized from the community. Faculty (1997 – present), College of Arts and Letters.

Rose Helper, Ph.D.: Founder and Advisor of the Toledo Chapter of Alpha Kappa Delta. Faculty, College of Arts and Letters.

Jodi Jameson: One of the first in the University Libraries to use student assessment to improve teaching and a powerful advocate for student-centered learning and creative library engagement. Faculty, University Libraries (2006 - Present).

Ardenia Terry Jones, Ph.D.: Alumna and an advocate for women locally as a member of the Zonta Club of Toledo. Doctorate (1982), College of Business and Innovation; Assistant Dean, Division of Student Affairs.

Deirdre Jones: Director and fundraiser for the Edward H Schmidt School of Professional Sales, nationally recognized in the Wall Street Journal, Sales Education Foundation Annual, The Blade, Careers in Professional Selling, Ebony, and other news media. Bachelors (2001), Masters (2002), Faculty (2004 – present) College of Business and Innovation. Director (2014 – present), Edward H Schmidt School of Professional Sales.

Stephanie Kaetzel: Environmental health and safety advocate, implementing an acetone recycling program at UToledo. Staff, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

Joey Kim, Ph.D.: Scholar of Asian American studies, author of Body Facts, and Inauguration Poet for Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz’s second inaugural ceremony. Faculty (2020 – present), College of Arts and Letters.

Jessica Knouse, J.D.: An advocate for women in law and on campus, she empowers students to become their own advocates. Faculty, College of Law (2007 - Present).

Judith Ann Lanzinger, J.D.: Served on the Ohio judiciary for 31 years and was the only Ohio Supreme Court justice to have been elected to all four levels of the judiciary system. Bachelors, Judith Herb College of Education, (1968); Juris Doctor, College of Law (1977).  

Rebecca Martin Hurst: Local advocate for victims and survivors of domestic violence. Bachelors (1996), College of Health and Human Services.

Megan Mattimoe, J.D.: Founder of Advocating Opportunity, a non-profit organization that supports victims of human trafficking. Bachelors, College of Arts and Sciences (2003); Juris Doctor, College of Law (2007).  

Coral Matus, MD: Co-created curriculum in the College of Medicine to better prepare students for clinical medicine and advisor for the UTCOM Arts & Humanities journal. Faculty, College of Medicine and Life Sciences.

Michelle McCaster: An international medical volunteer, scholarship funder and founder and Executive Director of Groomed for Greatness, an organization that helps girls reach their highest potential through education, guidance, and empowerment. Bachelors (1994), College of Arts and Letters; Bachelors (1998), College of Nursing.

Nina McClelland, Ph.D.: A highly respected world leader in chemistry and champion for public health initiatives to provide safe drinking water to the public, she held many leadership positions at UToledo and in the global scientific community. Bachelors (1951), Masters (1963), Honorary Doctorate (2003) and Faculty (2003 - 2011), College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences; Dean (2003 - 2011), College of Arts and Sciences; and Dean Emeritus.

Patricia Metting, Ph.D.: Award-winning educator and researcher committed to student success. Bachelors (1975) and Doctorate (1980) College of Medicine and Life Sciences; Professor Emerita and Former Vice Chancellor and Sr. Associate Dean for Student Affairs in College of Medicine and Life Sciences. 

Nikki (Charisse) Montgomery: A fierce advocate for children with disabilities; founder and executive director of Madvocator. Staff (2008 – 2019); Masters (2010), College of Arts and Letters; Masters (2014), College of Health and Human Services.

Stephanie Pannell, MD: Student-centered clerkship director and mentor to surgical and medical students, inspiring students to pursue their goals and advocating against the barriers they face.  Faculty, College of Medicine and Life Sciences.

Christi Paul: Christi Paul is a successful CNN news anchor, activist and author fueled by her own experience as a domestic violence survivor. Bachelors (1993), College of Arts and Letters.

Yvette Perry, Ph.D.: Implemented a new admissions system more equitable and efficient for applicants, working to reduce bias in every part of the process; numbers of women and underrepresented students increased along with an increase of the number of local and UToledo undergrad applicants. Staff (2011 - 2016); Assistant Dean (2016 – present) College of Medicine and Life Sciences.

Ashley Pryor, Ph.D.: Introduces students to experiential learning through Multicultural Toledo and Community Engagement and the Inside Out Prison Exchange Program. Faculty, Jesup Scott Honors College.

Edith Rathbun: Although she never attended college herself, she was a champion for women's education and donated generously to support numerous initiatives at UToledo and with University College. Donor (early 2000s).

Margot Sanger: Published writer, and popular local performer. Faculty, College of Arts and Letters.

Lourdes Santiago, J.D.: Award-winning attorney and public servant with a strong record of advocacy in education, immigrant rights and workers’ rights. Juris Doctor, College of Law (1979). 

Arlene Singer, J.D.: Retired judge, decorated lawyer and creator of the Toledo Women Lawyers History Project. Bachelors (1972), College of Arts & Sciences; Juris Doctor (1976), College of Law.

Alice Skeens, Ph.D.: Renowned campus leader and strong supporter of the University Women's Commission and the first woman to chair the faculty senate. Alumna; Faculty & Dean, College of Arts and Letters.

Kelby Sodeman: Grant writer for the Valentine Theatre and previously the Toledo Ballet; focusing on children’s programs and always looking for new opportunities to support the Theatre. Masters (1994) College of Arts and Letters.

Michele Soliz, Ph.D.: Advocate for student diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at UToledo, she was one of the driving forces behind the creation of LGBTQA+ initiatives in the Office of Multicultural Student Success. Former Associate Vice President for Student Affairs (2001 - 2021).

Ada Stewart, M.D.:  Board Chair of the American Academy of Family Physicians and a practicing family doctor in South Carolina, she advocates on behalf of family physicians and patients to inspire positive change in the U.S. healthcare system. Doctor of Medicine, College of Medicine and Life Sciences (2000).

Kate Szymanski, MD: Patient-centered osteopathic physician, focused on advancing the field through research and mentoring students and colleagues. Faculty (2020 – present), College of Medicine and Life Sciences.

Mildred Taylor: Advocate for racial justice and author of children's books chronicling the struggles of African Americans from the era of enslavement to the Jim Crow period. She won the Newbery Medal in 1977 for Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (1976), a book widely read in classrooms across the U.S. Bachelors, Judith Herb College of Education (1965).

Lauren Tucker: A student leader in the field of medicine, she worked with students and faculty to develop inclusive and progressive curriculum on sexual medicine centering social justice and health equity. Doctor of Medicine, College of Medicine and Life Sciences (expected 2024).

Ameisha Tutwiler: A champion for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives on campus and in the medical field as a whole, she founded the Racial Dialogue Club and worked with students and faculty to develop curriculum on medical racism. Doctor of Medicine, College of Medicine and Life Sciences (expected 2025); Masters in Business Administration, John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation (expected 2025).

Sydney Williams, Ph.D.: President of Designetics, Inc., Board and committee member for Family and Child Abuse Prevention Center, Designetics Cares Foundation, St. Francis de Sales, Dana Classic, Boys and Girls Clubs of Toledo, FBC Executive Committee and co-founder of Care for Kids. Masters (2007) College of Business and Innovation.

Yoon Youngsook, MD: Student-centered ICU faculty dedicated to teaching and improving all residents, students, and fellows. Faculty, College of Medicine.

 

Innovators 

Denise Bartell, Ph.D.: Advocate for student success and equity, she developed and launched UToledo’s Equity Champions Community of Practice to develop faculty’s ability to increase sense of belonging for students from historically minoritized populations. Associate Vice Provost for Student Success (2018 – 2022).

Heidi Bollin: President at Bollin Label Systems, she implemented tutoring for dependents of employees and brought in an occupational therapist for employee access. Masters (2013), John B. and Lillian e. Neff College of Business and Innovation.

Marie Bollinger-Vogt: Founder of Toledo Ballet. Bachelors (1945), College of Arts and Letters.

Ritu Chakravarti, Ph.D.: Internationally recognized autoimmune disease researcher and creator of a novel vaccine to prevent rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Faculty (2016 – present), College of Medicine & Life Sciences.

Madeline Clark, Ph.D.: Faculty member and mentor, she invests the time necessary to mentor counseling students in the science of research, publications, and developing presentations. Faculty (2016 - present), College of Health and Human Services.

Helen Cooks, Ph.D.: Prolific educator and civic leader, and founding director of TOLEDO EXCEL (1993) a scholarship and college-preparatory program at UToledo for underrepresented Toledo-area high school students. Bachelors, College of Arts and Letters; Masters and Doctorate, Judith Herb College of Education; Faculty in College of Arts and Letters and Judith Herb College of Education; Professor Emeritus. 

Joan Duggan, MD: Award winning advocate, educator, physician and scholar dedicated to improving the lives of people living with HIV. Alumna and Faculty (1995 - Present), College of Medicine and Life Sciences. 

Jeni Gerber: Developed initiatives to enhance student safety, including Rocket Watch and a 2-day multi-discipline domestic violence and sexual assault response training for UToledo Police. Bachelors (2020) and Masters (2021), College of Health and Human Services; UToledo Police Department Officer (2000-Present). 

Kim Gratz, Ph.D.: A highly accomplished and visible female researcher on borderline personality disorder, self-injurious behaviors, and emotion regulation. She’s internationally known for an emotion regulation group therapy for women with borderline personality disorder and non-suicidal self-injury. Faculty & Chair (2016 - present), College of Arts and Letters.

Selina Griswold: Developed curriculum and policies to advance diversity, equity and inclusion on campus and beyond, including the Young Executive Scholars (Y.E.S.) college pipeline program for students at Jones Leadership Academy of Business in Toledo. Bachelors (1986) and Faculty (1989 – 2021), College of Business and Innovation.  

Jennifer Hanrahan, Ph.D.: Created algorithms and policies for clinical care for patients hospitalized with COVID at UTMC and created a podcast series to document the global pandemic. Faculty, College of Medicine and Life Sciences (2019 – Present).

Janet Hoy-Gerlach, Ph.D.: An advocate for suicide prevention for the LGBTQ community and a mental health clinician. Nationally recognized scholar for her work on therapeutic human-animal interaction. Faculty (2008 - present), College of Health and Human Services.

Bina Joe, Ph.D.: Internationally recognized leader in hypertension research and philanthropist on the Board of Trustees for the Greater Toledo Community Foundation and Women in Philanthropy. Faculty, Chair & Director of the Center for Hypertension and Precision Medicine, College of Medicine and Life Sciences; Distinguished University Professor.

Angie Jones: Developed an Executive in Residence program for the Family Business Center and created numerous programs to advance local business owners. Masters (2002) College of Business and Innovation; Staff (2001 – 2018); Director (2018 – present), Family Business Center.

Josina Jones Lott: Advocate for students with disabilities and founder of the Lott Day School, presently known as Lott Industries. Masters (1995), College of Education.

Brianne Kramer, Ph.D.: Established a diversity and social justice policy program for future educators at Southern Utah University where they are now an assistant professor. Doctorate, Judith Herb College of Education(2017).

Cheryl McCullumsmith, Ph.D.: An innovative leader in mental health care, she has developed programs integrating mental health care into primary care, rapid access clinics for psychiatry, youth-centered mental health care, an opioid overdose response team, and an opioid free comprehensive pain clinic. Faculty, College of Medicine and Life Sciences (2018 - Present).

Patrica Murphy, Ph.D.: One of the founders and first director of the University of Toledo's Disabilities Studies Program. Faculty, College of Arts and Letters; Director, Disability Studies Program, College of Arts and Letters.

Karen Seibert, Ph.D.: Instrumental in the development of pain relievers and anti-inflammatories created to avoid intestinal issues. Masters, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Alicia Smith: Public servant, community organizer and environmental justice expert. Founder and executive director of the Junction Coalition. Masters (2012), College of Health and Human Services.

LaTasha Sullivan, Ph.D.: A fierce advocate for mental health, improving University Counseling services and building relationships across campus. Director, University Counseling Center.

Sarah Twitchell, Ph.D.: An educator and community organizer, she developed a career development and academic preparation program at UToledo for parents on public assistance in the 1990s. She continues to serve the community through volunteering for housing security programs and advising non-profit organizations. Bachelors, College of Arts and Letters (1982); Doctorate, Judith Herb College of Education (2004); Staff, UToledo ComTech (1990 - 1998).

Celia Williamson, Ph.D.: A world-renowned advocate for survivors and victims of human tracking and scholar on this subject, Williamson is the founding organizer for the largest and oldest international conference on human trafficking (2004) and the founding director of the Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute (2015). Bachelors (1998) and Faculty (2000 – Present), College of Health and Human Services.

 

Lucille Mack: Advocate for women in business, Secretary to the Board of Directors, and Vice President of the Toledo Chapter of the Ohio Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Club. Secretary, Board of Directors (1913-52).

Beverly McBride, J.D.: Beverly had a long and successful career for over 30 years with The Andersons, where she served as vice president and general counsel before retiring in 2006. She was the first women to serve in that role.

Betty Montgomery, J.D.: Ohio’s first woman Attorney General and first woman State Auditor; dedicated to advancing women in business and civic leadership. Juris Doctor (1976), College of Law.

Maysaa Ouza, J.D.: Captain in the US Air Force, JAG Corps attorney and hijabi, she successfully petitioned the Air Force to make their policy regarding religious accommodation requests more accessible and inclusive. Juris Doctor, College of Law (2017).

Ellen Pullins, Ph.D.: A two-time Fulbright, Dr. Pullins co-developed the nation’s first professional sales major from an AACSB-accredited business college and helped to establish the Global Sales Science Institute. Faculty (1996 – present), Director of the Edward Schmidt School of Professional Sales (2010 – 2014), John B. and Lillian e. Neff College of Business and Innovation.

Kathy Shan, Ph.D.: First lecturer in the physics and astronomy department and first in the department to participate as an Equity Champion and Faculty Leader in the Student Experience Project. Masters (2001), College of Arts and Sciences; Doctorate (2013), Judith Herb College of Education; Faculty, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

Marnie Swift: Advocate for women athletes at UToledo, making history as the first female administrator in the Athletic Department. Staff, Athletics.

Janet Wallin, J.D.: One of the first female faculty members in the College of Law and a leader in the field, she successfully advocated for the creation of a Women Law Students Association and a legal library. Faculty, College of Law (1933 - 1960).

Faye Williams: Advocate for admitting women in the University and Founder of "The Ballot Box". Board of Trustees (1886).

Sarah R. L. Williams: One of the first Board of Directors for the Toledo University of Arts and Trades in 1872, she was an active suffragist and advocated for women to be admitted to the university on the same terms as men which occurred in 1886 when the university had become the Toledo Manual Training School. Board of Directors, (1872  - ?).

Ruthe Whickum, J.D.: Local educator, first female attorney in Lucas County to handle murder cases. Juris Doctor, College of Law (1972).