UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Jill M. Wood, teaching professor of women’s, gender and sexuality studies in the College of the Liberal Arts, is the 2023 recipient of the Barash Award for Human Service. Created in 1975 by the family of the late Sy Barash, the award honors a full-time member of the faculty or staff or student body on the University Park campus who, apart from his or her regular duties, has contributed the most to human causes, public service activities and organizations, or the welfare of fellow humans.
A faculty member at Penn State since 2004, colleagues said Wood "has her finger on the pulse of the campus climate" and has made many connections. They called Wood an advocate for women’s health, on and off campus.
One area where nominators said Wood had an impact is in addressing rape and sexual assault on campus. At the request of Penn State’s Gender Equity Center (GEC), Wood helped create and assumed the role of a new position to help improve services and support for students and units who work with survivors. As GEC faculty liaison, Wood began working with academic units and Student Affairs to better coordinate efforts to educate, prevent and respond to incidents of gendered violence on campus. Wood also helps students navigate the Title IX reporting and investigation process as a complainant adviser.
Nominators said this role required extensive training and went above and beyond her duties as an educator, and is just one of many areas where Wood looks to make an impact on her community.
“Wood brings a steadfast commitment to public education and compassionate care to all that she does,” a nominator said. “Her leadership regarding girls’ and women’s health, including their access to health care, has opened new pathways for many within and beyond the University."
Wood also works on behalf of students dealing with sexual trauma and assault, and helps them with access to health and mental health support. She works with local midwifery and advocacy groups that contribute to reproductive justice education, as well.
“Wood continues to be a tireless advocate for community education, health and violence prevention, as well as a courageous advocate for reproductive education and assault responsiveness through Penn State and the local community,” a nominator said. “She has shown consistent excellence in her teaching both inside and outside of the classroom, and she guides students through politically charged topics in her academically rigorous courses. Combined with her infectious enthusiasm for community education and violence prevention, Wood is an invaluable asset to our campus and our community.”