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Department of Women’s and Gender Studies

Our People

Our faculty are an accomplished and interdisciplinary group of instructors who examine power, privilege, and oppression. WGST faculty members explore dynamics related but not limited to gender, sexuality, race, class, age, ability, body size, and religion in historical, social, and cultural contexts.  

If you are a University of South Carolina faculty member whose research and teaching intersect with Women's and Gender Studies, please fill out our online application form [doc]. Learn more about the Women's and Gender Studies Department's current affiliates on our Affiliate Faculty page.

Explore our faculty directory for the full list of program instructors.

Administrative Faculty 

 

Core Faculty

 

Teaching Faculty

 

Women's Well-Being Initiative 

 

Administrative Support Staff

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Rebecca Dobson, Program Coordinator

Responsible for business manager duties, coordination of course scheduling, managing administrative assistant and management for undergraduate and graduate programs (including GA hiring).

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Tristan Johnson, Administrative Assistant 

Responsible for HR; WGST programming and events; website and social media, newsletters and promotional materials, work-study student management, Close-Hipp office suite management.

 

Undergraduate Student Assistants 

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Grace Ariss

I am a senior majoring in Economics and International Studies with a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies. I’m excited for the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue that actively impacts and influences the greater community, as well as strengthen my understanding of WGST as a whole. I decided to minor in WGST to better understand the interdisciplinary relations between gender and sexuality in society. Being in a largely male-dominated area of study, like economics, I believe it’s important to learn about diverse perspectives in order to foster an inclusive environment and build critical thinking skills through an intersectional lens. If you have any questions regarding classes, events, or program involvement please don’t hesitate to reach out!

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Sage Braddock

I am a junior majoring in Psychology and Women’s and Gender Studies, with a minor in Anthropology. One of the opportunities I’m most excited about is sharing how the Department of Women’s and Gender Studies has shaped my academic, personal, and professional journey. The faculty, courses, and resources have supported my growth not only as a student but also in my role as a Resident Assistant, and in the development of my personal values and belief systems. My WGST journey began thanks to a recommendation from a close friend, Addie Rae, who encouraged me to take Intro to Women’s and Gender Studies (WGST 112) with Dr. Nima Yolmo. I had no idea how impactful that decision would be. During a particularly difficult time, my TA, Helen Long, reached out with support and resources that truly made a difference and sparked my decision to declare WGST as a second major. 

Since then, I’ve become actively involved in the department by helping with Novel Nook, our book hangout and lending library within the department, and currently serve on the WGST Partnership Council as one of the student representatives. I'm excited to continue connecting with other majors, minors, and students curious about WGST. If you have questions about the program from a student’s perspective or want to talk more about events, classes, or involvement opportunities, feel free to reach out through email

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Phoebe Callahan

I am currently double majoring in Women's and Gender Studies and Sociology with a minor in Anthropology and a long-term plan of going to law school to practice civil rights law. My WGST journey began during the first semester of my freshman year, entering as a sociology major but knowing I wanted to do something more. After taking Intro to Women's and Gender Studies with Dr. Nima Yolmo, my passion for the subject ignited, and I declared it as major the next semester.

Since then, I’ve also developed a passion for law, and trying to understand how America’s criminal-legal system operates as a tool to maintain racial hierarchy. I am involved with mock trial, a pre-law fraternity, a service sorority, and I spent this past summer studying human trafficking and sex work in Amsterdam. I am incredibly excited to support the Women's and Gender Studies Department this year by sharing the ways in which I feel it has enabled me to do so much, on campus and beyond.


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