by Ashley Strehl, Editor-in-Chief
Behind every successful woman is a tribe of other successful women who have her back.
Tomorrow is International Women’s Day, a global holiday recognizing the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Northwestern Oklahoma State University has reason to celebrate women of its own, as the campus has significant landmarks inspired by women.
Shockley Hall, the current math and computer science building on campus, is named after Minnie Shockley. She began her career in higher education 1910. She eventually became the dean of women and an instructor in the English department.
Fryer Hall, a girl’s dormitory, is named after Agnes Fryer and her husband, James T. Fryer. They were donors to the original site of the college.
University President Dr. Janet Cunningham is the first female president of NWOSU.
Assistant Professor of Education Dr. Jennifer Oswald said women inspired her to be who she is today, and said she is passionate about women in leadership.
“More than that, I just love women,” Dr. Oswald said. “I think life is hard, and we need our tribes. I have my best friend tribe, my work tribe, and my community tribe.”
Oswald is a member of the One Women’s Ministry group at Faith Center in Alva.
“I love this group because it doesn’t matter what you do, we are going to support you,” she said.
As a professor of education, Oswald thinks women go into education because they are naturally nurturing, and because they know they can make a difference. That is what she thinks pushes women into education and other leadership positions as well.
“I think there is still a lot of pressure on women in society to do it all,” Oswald said. “If you choose to be a stay-at-home mom, it’s like … what value do you add? And if you choose to be a working mom … then it’s like, what value do you add at home? So, it seems that no matter what we choose, there is always judgment.”
“It’s important for women to support each other,” Oswald said. “No matter what we choose to do, celebrate each other. I think that’s what International Women’s Day is all about.”