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K-State Today

August 29, 2012

The KAWSE Office welcomes new executive director

Submitted by Kristin Kelly

The K-State office for the advancement of women in science and engineering, or KAWSE/ADVANCE, would like to welcome the new executive director, Chardie Baird.

Although Baird is new to the office, she has been a part of the K-State family for four years. She comes from the department of sociology, anthropology and social work where she is an associate professor.

Baird is an expert in the processes that lead to gender inequality at work. She conducts research that examines why it is difficult for women and girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math, also known as STEM fields, and has exciting ideas about how to address these problems in middle school, high school and college settings.

In addition, she is committed to fostering girls’ interests in math, science and engineering in her service activities. In her previous positions, she was active in programs that are very similar to K-State’s GROW and EXCITE programs that bring middle school and high school girls to K-State’s campus where they spend a day in workshops led by STEM faculty members. Baird also benefited from K-State’s ADVANCE Distinguished Lecture Series and travel awards.

Baird succeeds Dana Britton, who has left the university. Although members in the KAWSE office will miss Britton as a mentor, friend and fellow advocate for a gender equitable future, they are excited to welcome Baird, a rising leader in the field of gender and work.

"We look forward to Baird's leadership and expertise as she continues to advocate for KAWSE and to further our office’s mission to promote the full participation of women students and faculty in the science and engineering enterprise," said Ruth Dyer, senior vice provost of academic affairs.

For more information on current or future programming, please call the office at 785-532-6088, or stop by 125 Seaton Hall.