By Michelle Aiello

While the College of Design recognizes women’s talent and dedication every day of the year, during Women’s History Month, we are pleased to shine a brighter spotlight on our exceptional women leaders and researchers. 

The University of Kentucky is featuring a series of women making history on campus and sharing their stories on social media. These individuals are leading their fields of research, crossing traditional academic boundaries, and impacting Kentucky’s most pressing challenges. 

One of the women recognized by the university is Associate Professor and School of Interiors Interim Director Rebekah Radtke. Radtke’s research looks at how interior design enables social change by applying boundary-spanning pedagogical approaches rather than discipline-specific processes. Since 2011 her transdisciplinary multi-scalar projects produced better living and learning environments and healthy communities in national and international venues. 

The University of Kentucky Women’s Executive Leadership Development (WELD) program recently announced its 2022 cohort of faculty and staff participants, and among them is Interiors Associate Professor Helen Turner. The eight-month WELD program is designed to develop the next generation of UK leaders through retreats, monthly meetings, conversations with upper-level administrators, and a group project. 

Also this month, Associate Professor Lindsey Fay was recognized as the recipient of the 2022 IDEC Scholarship Excellence Award. This international award recognizes an individual’s distinguished achievement in scholarship as it relates to the interior environment and its contribution to the discipline of interior design. ?

While women have made great strides in the fight for equity, gender bias continues to create barriers for many. We are incredibly proud of the contributions of these, and all women in our college, who continue to push for change and create a future where all women, girls, and gender-diverse people have the support, information, and services they need to live fulfilling lives. 

Look for “Women Making History” stories in UKNOW on “Wildcat Wednesday” and every day on UK Research social media (@ResearchKY) throughout the month of March.