Elizabeth Hohl of the History Department in the College of Arts and Sciences was named the winner of a brand-new Fairfield University award, Adjunct Professor of the Year. The honor carries a monetary award of approximately $2000 which was donated anonymously.

Hohl has taught at the University for more than 20 years and was, "amazed and bowled over" to have been selected for the award. "This award recognizes and celebrates the hard work of part-time faculty who are devoted to students as well as to the process of teaching," Hohl said, appreciating the honor's objective. "It's so important to recognize this part of the University community."

Hohl was nominated for the new award by the History department and selected by the deans, as well as Orin Grossman, Ph.D., academic vice president. "Liz was the clear winner," said Dr. Grossman. "Her devotion to students, her strong participation in the Women's Studies Program, and her contributions to the History Department are nothing short of inspiring."

She enjoys teaching at Fairfield University because of her strong belief in helping to build a women's studies program. She notes that approximately 300 of Fairfield's students enroll in a women's studies class over the course of their four years at the University. Hohl, while teaching, is also working toward her Ph.D. and her dissertation is focused on revising the portrait of the 'new woman' in the United States (1880-1930) by placing African American women at the center.

In 1983, she taught the highly successful course, "Excellent Women, Deviant Women: The Female Experience," and was then invited by now Associate Professor-Emeritus Richard DeAngelis, Ph.D., to teach in the College of Arts and Sciences. Today, in addition to lecturing in history, she teaches courses in the College's Women's Studies Program and in the Graduate School for Education and Allied Professions.

In helping to establish the Women's Studies Program at Fairfield in the early 1990s, Hohl notes that there have been significant changes that have worked out for the better. "There is a greater level of comfort now among students to take a women's studies course," she says. "By putting women at the center, students learn more about themselves, create new knowledge systems and challenge many societal assumptions of women."

While teaching approximately six courses a year, Hohl has worked toward her doctoral degree in history and women's studies with her advisor at The Union Institute and University. She holds a master's degree from Sarah Lawrence College in women's history and a bachelor's degree from Stonehill College in U.S. History.

Hohl's additional University honors include a Martin Luther King Jr. Vision Award in 2001 and recognition as an Outstanding Humanities Scholar in 2000. She resides with her children and husband John Bailey in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Posted On: 02-25-2005 10:02 AM

Volume: 37 Number: 148