Prompted by the efforts of a computer science graduate in 1989, Lehigh’s Women’s Center grew out of a report recommending the establishment of support services for women at Lehigh. It was officially opened in 1991 and staffed by one individual who was also responsible for child care. The first full-time director was hired in 1999, following a review of the needs of female students, faculty and staff.

Now part of the Student Affairs division and located in the University Center, the Women’s Center is a vibrant, active and engaging center led by Rita Jones, the former coordinator and assistant professor of the Women’s Studies program at the University of Northern Colorado. Jones introduced an approach that combines leadership, advocacy, research and outreach to the Lehigh community and beyond.

Today, the center helps foster a campus climate in which all women can work to achieve their personal and professional goals in an equitable, supportive and intellectually challenging environment.