Dr. William E. Fitzgibbon, III, Dean of the College of Technology has been recognized for his efforts toward the support of gender equity, inclusiveness, and policies that benefit women and families at the University of Houston. Established by the UH University Commission on Women (UCW), the Difference-Maker Award acknowledges a faculty, staff, student or administrator whose efforts support the goals of the UCW, including the promotion of faculty and staff advancement. Dean Fitzgibbon’s strong commitment to the advancement of women faculty has driven an increase in the number of women engaged in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education in the College of Technology.
As mentor to Dr. Holly Hutchins, Associate Professor and Coordinator for the Undergraduate Human Resource Development Program in the Human Development and Consumer Science Department, Dean Fitzgibbon provided developmental opportunities, and recommended her for several leadership experiences. "Dean Fitzgibbon enthusiastically supported my role as a co-Principal Investigator for the National Science Foundation ADVANCE proposal, which focused on increasing the recruitment, retention and development of STEM women faculty and has offered support for the PI team during the proposal development," said Dr. Holly Hutchins.
"As part of our work, we proudly recognize how Dean Fitzgibbon has advanced the status of women at the University of Houston. Although the UCW is charged with advancing gender equity on campus, we cannot do this alone. It really does take a village, and he is part of that campus-wide effort," said Sandy Coltharp, Chair of the Difference Maker Committee at the University of Houston.
The University Commission on Women identifies the concerns of women at the university; promotes gender equity throughout all areas of the university community; recommends to the appropriate administrative offices ways to address the concerns of women at the university; communicates and collaborates with other committees and organizations to provide support, advocacy and information regarding women’s issues; and to raise awareness regarding behaviors, actions, issues, policies and procedures that affect the status of women.