Service: Getting credit for the fun stuff!

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One thing I love about my job at UA (and another thing that's slightly less common) is that I am not only "allowed" to do service work but it is encouraged and recognized or rewarded! Service can get a bad rap around universities since it often means committees and meetings and drudgery. But service also means working with diverse students, coaching rugby, giving talks all over campus, and learning about the place in which I teach and live. Call me a glass-half-full optimist but I think it's getting credit for the fun stuff...

Capstone Alliance

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In 2012-13 I served as the President of Capstone Alliance, the registered UA group for LGBTQ+ and allied faculty, staff, and graduate students. We build community (especially for new arrivals to Tuscaloosa), conduct education and outreach (mostly through Safe Zone, check out safezone.ua.edu) and advocate for programs and policies with the UA administration. 

Safe Zone Resource Center & Spectrum

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I also serve on the Safe Zone Committee, conducting trainings and working with staff and faculty all over campus. Safe Zone Allies are a vital part of  making UA campus safe and inclusive for all students! 

UA is Home Project

Finally, I am one of 4 co-advisors to Spectrum, UA's undergrad LGBTQ+ student group. I was proud to take part in the first UA is Home video project (below) in spring '14.

UA Women's Rugby

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Yep, we have, and I play it. Or coach it, or both. The team has existed for about 5 years now, we play in the True South division of USA Rugby and we're always looking for new players... 

You can find the team page on facebook!

Faculty Senate, committees, talks, and more!

Since 2012 I have served as a Faculty Senator for the College of Communication and Information Sciences... During the 2013-14 school year I was elected to a university-wide task force to address issues of equity, inclusion, and citizenship on UA's campus.

I give talks to various groups throughout the year: Women's Resource Center Brown Bag, African American History Month, Queer History Month, HCA Talks, Women in Science etc. If I'm free and not too overwhelmed I love to share my work with others and learn about our campus!