Hillary Rodham Clinton Professorship in Women's History announced at launch of Centenary of Oxford Degrees for Women commemoration

One week ago, the University of Oxford (England) hosted a unique virtual broadcast to celebrate "100 Years of Oxford Degrees for Women." At the commencement of Michaelmas Term, almost to the day, the event marked 100 years since women could matriculate at Oxford.

Hosted by university Vice-Chancellor Louise Richardson, the celebration announced to the public the establishment of "The Hillary Rodham Clinton Professorship in Women's History" at the University of Oxford, believed to be the first such senior academic post focused on women's history, at any university in the world.

Due to the impetus and generosity of donors eager to honor Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton with a professorship in her name at Oxford, from conception to close, the fundraising campaign succeeded in less than two years and included donors at all levels. Congratulations to the dynamic team in the Oxford North America Office - Alison Rausch, Alyson Goldman, and Michael D. Cooper, Esq. who crafted the campaign and drove it home.

Joining Secretary Clinton and Vice-Chancellor Richardson for the broadcast were Professor Brenda E. Stevenson who was appointed the inaugural chair holder, and Professor Maggie Snowling, President of St. John's College where the professorship will sit in perpetuity.

Secretary Clinton:

This resonates because a professorship, and scholarship focused on women's history, will lift up overlooked voices. In politics you go toward loud voices - they overwhelm others. In this pandemic, damages have fallen disproportionally on women and girls. These are burdens they endure. Those stories should be told and inform policy. We should examine why countries led by women - New Zealand, Germany, Finland, Denmark, Taiwan - have performed better. My hypothesis is women are smart, empathetic listeners who are willing to be guided by good advice.