WOMEN'S CAUCUS PRESENTS ANNUAL AWARD TO RUTH TRIPLETT

The Old Dominion University Women's Caucus presented its 2008 Achievement Award on Jan. 30 to Ruth Triplett, professor of sociology and criminal justice.

The annual honor goes to a colleague "who has made ODU a more woman-friendly campus."

"Since coming to Old Dominion University as an assistant professor in 1999, [Ruth Triplett] has passionately and relentlessly pursued fair and equitable policies and practices � be it hiring, child care, campus safety, quality of life or salary equity," said Michele Darby, Women's Caucus president and University Professor of dental hygiene, who presented the award during a luncheon in Webb Center.

Triplett has served on the Women's Caucus board for seven years, including one year as president. She spearheaded the caucus's Quality of Campus Life survey in 2005, and over the past seven years has worked on the Gender Equity Committee to identify positions needing further analysis for possible salary adjustment.

Darby also noted that Triplett organized the "Thriving in the First Year Workshop," attended by both male and female faculty. "This event raised the profile of the Women's Caucus and highlighted our organization's unique role on campus," Darby said.

A member of the Faculty Senate, Triplett chairs the Faculty Status and Remuneration Committee.

During the spring 2007 semester, Triplett served as acting chair of women's studies, which allowed the chair to take a research leave, and oversaw the Friends of Women's Studies annual dinner.

Mona Danner, professor of sociology and criminal justice, nominated Triplett for the award. "All of the tasks that Ruth has undertaken she has completed quickly and efficiently as well as effectively," she said. "Ruth practices graciousness in her tenacity, kindness in her confrontations and joy in per personal interactions."

Anita Clair Fellman, chair of women's studies, also wrote in support of the nomination, saying, "Ruth consistently serves as a kind and helpful mentor to junior faculty in her own department and elsewhere in the university. She is one of the reasons why junior women flourish here and decide to stay."

Added Janet Katz, associate dean in the College of Arts and Letters: "One of the stated purposes of the caucus is to actively advance the welfare of women throughout the university. Ruth Triplett does that every day."