Welcome

The Center for Women's Studies and Gender Research offers an interdisciplinary forum for the study of gender, its function in cultures and societies, and its intersection with race and class. Students may choose from three areas of concentration within the BA program: General Concentration, Concentration in Theories and Politics of Sexuality, Concentration in Gender and International Development. A minor in Women's Studies and a minor in Theories and Politics of Sexuality are also available. The Center offers master's and doctoral students the Graduate Certificate in Women's Studies in conjunction with (other) degree programs. Graduate students may choose a thesis or non-thesis Master of Arts degree.  For more information on specific programs, please refer to the Undergraduate or Graduate pages.

News and Announcements

Director Milagros Pena Named Book Award Winner

Center Director Milly Pena has received a very important award from the Latino/a section of the American Sociological Association (ASA).  She is a co-recipient of the Distinguished Contributions to Research: Book Award for her recent book, "Latina Activists Across Borders: Women's Grassroots Organizing in Mexico and Texas" (Duke University Press, 2007). The awards committee was impressed with the theoretical contributions, methodological rigor, and substantive findings on pastoral as well as secular feminist movements among Latinas in the border area.

Milly's award was presented at the ASA meetings in Boston on Saturday, August 2nd. , at 1:30 pm.

Kathryn Chicone Ustler Hall

Built in 1919, the structure fell into disuse in 1979 but was saved from demolition in 1988 when it was granted protection under the National Register of Historic Places. A generous donation from sociology alumna Kathryn Chicone Ustler in 2000 allowed for the vacant gym to be transformed into a 14,700 square-foot academic treasure. The restoration process began in 2004, and Women’s Studies moved into the facility in July, 2006.

Ustler Hall is the only freestanding campus building in the United States devoted solely to Women’s Studies. The renovated three-story hall includes classrooms, seminar rooms, and faculty and administrative offices for the Center for Women’s Studies and Gender Research. This building is the first one on the UF campus renamed to honor a woman.  To support the Center for Women's Studies and Gender Research, please click on this link.