Robin A. Douthitt is named permanent dean, the school celebrates its centennial and breaks ground on what will become Nancy Nicholas Hall.

A world-renowned economist, Dean Robin Douthitt conducted influential research into the public’s perception of food safety, focused attention on the economic impacts of women’s unpaid work, started a support program for single parents working towards their bachelor’s degree, and spearheaded a mentoring program for women faculty to improve female retention rates. Douthitt was named Vaughan Bascom Professor and, in 2000, received the Cabinet 99 Faculty/Staff Recognition Award from the Wisconsin Alumni Association.

The centennial celebration (2003-2004), ‘Live your Legacy’ is launched with the leadership of co-chairs SoHE alumna Mary Kunz Berge and her husband Paul Berge.

 

 

In 2004, SoHE alumna Nancy Johnson Nicholas (BS’55) and her husband Albert “Ab” Nicholas provide $8M lead gift for the renovation and expansion of the School’s historic building. At the time this was the largest gift in the nation ever made to a school or college of human ecology.

The 100 Women Campaign is launched in 2005 to honor women who have made a difference in their career, their family, or in their community and has a $10M fundraising goal.

Elliot and Frances Lehman provided a $1M lead gift for a teaching and research preschool laboratory in 2007. The Center for Textile Studies receives a $2M grant from the Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation. The school launches a Center for Nonprofits feasibility study with a campus forum hosted by Steve Gunderson, a former member of Congress from Wisconsin and CEO of the Washington DC-based Council on Foundations.