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Lifetime Achievement Awards

Radford University Women's and Gender Studies Lifetime Achievement Award aims to recognize an individual whose work has significantly impacted the Women's and Gender Studies Program at Radford University, the broader field of Women's and Gender Studies, or advocacy for women's rights and social justice within the Radford community.

Lifetime Award Recipients

Previous award recipients include Hilary Lips, Ph.D. (2015), Pat Brown (2016), Betty Jones (2106), Laurie Buchwald, WHNP, FNP (2018), Michele Ren, Ph.D. (2019), Moria Baker, Ph.D. (2022), Mary Ferrari, Ph.D. (2022), and Mary Atwell, Ph.D. (2023). 

     

    2024 Award Recipients

    Ann N. Elliot, Ph.D.

    Emerita Professor of Psychology 
    Former Director of Women's and Gender Studies  

    With a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Northern Illinois University and her clinical internship at the National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center, Elliott's career at Radford University spans various roles. She has served as both the Coordinator of the Clinical-Counseling Psychology Program and as Director of the Center for Gender Studies, and she taught a graduate course in Child and Adult Sexual Assault to students across a variety of disciplines. Elliott's research focuses on child sexual abuse, poly-victimization, trauma, and psychological distress, reflecting her commitment to advancing understanding and treatment in these critical areas. She served on the Editorial Board for the journal Child Maltreatment for 23 years and as a Guest Editor for one issue. Elliott's work has garnered multiple teaching awards, including the Radford University College of Arts and Sciences 2004 - 2005 Distinguished Teaching Award and the Donald N. Dedmon University Teaching Award in 2018. 

    Anja Whittington, Ph.D.

    Professor of Recreation, Parks and Tourism 
    Former Director (2021-2023) and Associate Director (2019-2021) of Women's and Gender Studies

    Prior to her career in academia, Anja Whittington, Ph.D., led youth and young women on extensive backcountry trips. Whittington earned an Ed.D. from the University of Maine where her dissertation explored the impact of wilderness programs on adolescent girls’ constructions of femininity. She has published and given numerous presentations on girls’ and women’s experiences in the outdoor—researching topics of resilience, courage, gender identity and career roles in outdoor recreation.  Whittington’s commitment to fostering resilience and empowerment among girls and women through outdoor experiences underscores her dedication to her field. She is also a Collegiate Associate Professor at Virginia Tech in Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation. 

       

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