Named chair and professorship appointments provide recognition for faculty members’ distinguished contributions while also forming an enduring bond with the donor who honors the School of Human Ecology with their gift.
Faculty fellowships are equally critical in supporting excellence in teaching and research, which, in turn, is key to recruiting the highest caliber graduate students.
These Human Ecology faculty will begin their named professorship and faculty fellowship positions on July 1, 2022:
Professor Jennifer Angus, Kay Vaughan Faculty Fellow-Design + Innovations
Kay Vaughan and her husband Jim, were by all measures passionate alumni, equally well known for their Badger enthusiasm and for the intellectual diversity that defines human ecology. Their philanthropy enhanced many different campus programs, including the Kay Vaughan Faculty Fellowship to support faculty innovation and leadership of the School of Human Ecology’s strategic initiatives. In 1996, they established the Vaughan Bascom Professorship in Women and Philanthropy. The professorship was named to honor Kay BS 1939 Home Economics and to honor Jim’s mother, Eloise Samson Vaughan. Kay was a founding member of the human ecology board of visitors, and graces the 100 Women Wall of Honor.
Professor Lauren Papp, Jane Rafferty Thiele Professor in Human Ecology
“My gift is a way to encourage young students to work hard, be confident and achieve professional as well as personal success.” This seemingly simple statement belies the deep and enduring commitment of Jane R. Thiele (BS 1972 Retailing) to support faculty excellence and encourage faculty leadership of the School of Human Ecology’s strategic initiatives. Jane was a member of the SoHE All Ways Forward Campaign Executive Committee, and together with her spouse Patrick, are members of the Deans Naming Partnership.
Assistant Professor Alvin Thomas, Phyllis Northway Faculty Fellow
Phyllis (BS 1948 Home Economics Education) and James Northway established the Phyllis M. Northway Fund in recognition of Phyllis’s accomplished career as an Extension Home Economist. Having worked in the public arena her entire career, Phyllis became acutely aware of the need for accurate, nonpartisan, research-based information for policy-makers. Her gift supports the school’s public policy research and outreach activities on behalf of children and families, and she is cherished as a donor on the 100 Women Wall of Honor.
Appointment Renewals
- Associate Professor Heather Kirkorian, Laura M. Secord Chair in Early Childhood Development
- Associate Professor Jennifer Gaddis, Jane Thiele Faculty Fellow-Graduate Teaching
Congratulations on this recognition of excellence!