Texas Tech to Host 27th Annual Conference on Advancement of Women in Higher Education

Written by Kate Lepard

Texas Tech is set to host the 27th Annual All-University Conference on the Advancement of Women in Higher Education Feb. 3-4 in the Student Union Building (SUB) at Texas Tech.

The Conference titled, "Innovative Voices: Initiatives, Projects and Practices for Empowerment and Gender Equality," is part of a two-day celebration sponsored by the Women's Studies Program at Texas Tech. The event will include papers and panel discussions concerning women's gender and identity issues.

Traveling feminist organizer Shelby Knox will serve on a keynote panel titled, "Forth Wave: (Active)ism in Her(story)," at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 4 in the Matador Room of the SUB.

Knox is best known for her documentary film "The Education of Shelby Knox." It is Knox's activist efforts, which she has maintained since graduating from the University of Texas at Austin, that bring her back to Lubbock.

A New York City resident, Knox is currently writing a book about the "forth wave" of feminist activism. She also travels across the country speaking about age-appropriate comprehensive sex education, gay rights and the next generation of feminism. Knox has testified before Congress on abstinence funding in an effort to highlight sexual health awareness.

Knox has appeared on "Today," "Good Morning America" and "Dr. Phil" to discuss sex education and youth activism. She also has published articles for internet and print media outlets such as: Jezebel, Feministe, RH Reality Check, the Huffington Post, Glamour, Bust, and Seventeen as well as her own blog "The Ms. Education of Shelby Knox."

Feb. 3.

• A pre-conference screening of the documentary film, "The Education of Shelby Knox" will begin at 7 p.m. Feb. 3 in the Firehouse Theatre at the Louise H. Underwood Center for the Arts located at 511 Ave. K.
• A panel discussion will follow with members from the film.

Feb. 4

• Registration and a welcome address begin at 8:30 a.m. in the Matador Room.
• Academic paper and panel sessions will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4: 00 p.m. with concurrent one-hour sessions.
• "Voices of Feminism," a performance organized by Women's Studies Affiliated Faculty Member Sara Peso White, will begin at 5 p.m. in the Matador Room. The performance will reflect on writings by women that address issues of concern for all.
• "Forth Wave: (Active)ism in Her(story)," featuring keynote speaker Knox will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Matador Room.

Tickets for the Feb. 3 film viewing are $13 for general admission and can be purchased through Select-A-Seat by calling (806) 770-2000 or on their website. Student tickets are available for Texas Tech students with a valid ID at the Escondido Theatre box office in the SUB for $8. All prices include a $3 Select-A-Seat service charge.

All campus events are free and open to the public and will be held on the second floor of the SUB with registration and a welcome address beginning at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 4 in the Matador Room. Academic paper and panel sessions will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with concurrent one-hour sessions.

Pre-registration is available on the Women's Studies website. Registration is not required to attend the keynote panel. Proof of attendance will be provided at the registration desk for students needing to attend the conference or a single panel session for course credit.

Visitors without a Texas Tech parking sticker can find parking information by entering from the Broadway entrance to the campus. The traffic kiosk attendant will give directions to the SUB and nearest visitor parking location.

The Women's Studies Program is a part of the Division of Institutional Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement. For more information and the complete conference program schedule, visit the website.