Division of Diversity and Inclusion hires new Women's Center director

Ohio University has named Dr. Chris Fowler as director of The Women’s Center at OHIO. Fowler is currently the Interim Director of the Office of Multicultural Success and Retention (OMSAR) at Ohio University, and she will begin her new position on June 13, 2022.

“Dr. Fowler brings more than 30 years of experience across multiple areas of higher education including residence life, academic advising, and multicultural affairs as well as direct experience leading a university women’s center,” said Interim Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion Dr. Salome Nnoromele. “She is respected on campus as a champion for students and their success, and I am excited to support her as she builds on the strong programming and student support services at the Women’s Center.”

During her time at OHIO Fowler served as OMSAR’s associate director for Critical and Underserved Student Success and as director of the Ohio Fellows Program. Prior to joining the Bobcat community, she was the assistant director and then interim director at Iowa State University’s Margaret Sloss Women’s Center. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Dubuque, a master’s degree in counselor education from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, and doctoral degree in Higher Education from Ohio University. She also completed OHIO’s graduate certificate in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies.

“Serving as director of The Women’s Center is really a culminating career opportunity for me,” Fowler said. “It brings together my passion for helping students with my interest in empowering and uplifting women through education, mentorship and advocacy.”

The Women’s Center provides students, faculty and staff with information, services and programs that address matters of particular concern to women. Its programs include a Mentoring Women Program that pairs female students with successful women leaders in their career field of interest, a Young Women Leaders program, and a Women Leading OHIO program that supports early-career faculty and staff seeking to expand their leadership experience and abilities.

In addition, The Women’s Center works with colleagues, students and community members on issues of sexual violence, dating violence, and stalking violence prevention throughout the year. This includes an annual Take Back the Night event and regular educational workshops.

“The Women’s Center has a strong history of advocacy for and support of students, and I’m looking forward to working with the Center staff and student leaders to continue to expand and evolve the Center’s work to meet the needs of students,” Fowler said.