Dr. Stacey Robertson
Dr. Stacey Robertson has taken on many roles in her 13 years at Bradley University. She is professor, advisor and mentor to students both within her department and throughout campus. She enjoys the interaction with students and looks forward to keeping in touch with alumni.
Faculty Q & A
Tell us a little bit about your personal background—where
did you grow-up, go to college, etc.
I grew up on the West Coast – moving between Arizona and California. I
lived in Scottsdale, Ariz., until I was nine and then moved to San Jose, Calif.
I remained in San Jose until my junior year in high school when I moved to Tucson,
Ariz. I returned to California as soon as possible, attending Whittier College
in the Los Angeles area. Whittier is a small liberal-arts institution founded
by Quakers. I received an excellent education and also met my husband, Brad Brown.
Brad and I both went to graduate school, studying History at the University of
California, Santa Barbara. It was a wonderful six years. I earned my Ph.D. in
History with an emphasis in Women's Studies in 1994.
How long have you been at BradleyUniversity?
I have been here for thirteen
years.
What is your official title and
with what are you involved on campus?
I am an associate professor
in the History Department and also the
Director of the Women's Studies Program.
My position with Women's Studies allows
me to become involved with a number of
different events and organizations around
campus. I chair the Women's Studies Committee,
which includes a fabulous group of smart,
talented, and dedicated professors and
staff. We have hosted dozens of events
and speakers on campus, including Gloria
Steinem, Jane Smiley, and Jackson Katz.
We sponsor the Apple of Knowledge Brown-Bag
lunch series that features faculty and
staff sharing their research. I also
serve as advisor to several organizations
on campus including the Vagina Monologues,
SASS (Students Against Sexism in Society),
and VOX (Voices for Choices). I honestly
feel very fortunate to be in my position.
Why did you choose to work at
Bradley?
The position at Bradley was
a perfect fit for me. My education and
research is a blend of History and Women's
Studies and the position at Bradley matched
that combination. I knew that I wanted
to publish and teach History, but I also
wanted to remain active around Women's
Studies issues. This position allows
me to do it all. I also immediately liked
the community at Bradley, especially
my colleagues in the History Department
and my dean, Claire Etaugh.
What’s your favorite class or
organization with which you are involved
on campus?
I am fortunate in that I teach
exactly what I want to teach: women's
studies, women's history, the Civil War,
and US history. All of these courses
are enriching and enjoyable. I particularly
enjoy teaching during the Interims when
everything is very intense and the students
are focused and we all have such a wonderful
experience. I am hoping to take my women's
studies course abroad, too, perhaps teaching
in London or Scotland . That should be
fun! All of the student organizations
I work with are fantastic. SASS is always
developing innovative programming and
the Vagina Monologues has consistently
offered the campus moving and emotional
performances.
What has been the biggest change
that you have seen on campus since you
have been working here?
The look of the campus has
improved significantly. The renovation
of major buildings and the beautification
process has made the environment so much
more pleasant and appealing. I am particularly
grateful for the renovation of Bradley
Hall; the classrooms are comfortable
and technologically up-to-date and the
offices are spacious and attractive.
The History Department lobby is spectacular
and I love my office!
What would you like to see changed
or improved on campus?
I am glad to see the new Recreation
Center being built, but I would also
like to see an enlargement of the library.
Ultimately, the library is the heart
of any university and I think we could
use increased focus on this area.
What is something that you think
all new students at Bradley seem to have
in common?
Most of the new students have
curiosity and energy that is infectious.
What advice, if any, have you
ever given to graduating seniors?
Oh, I am always generous with
advice! I usually encourage seniors to
continue to explore -- never stop learning.
I advise them to consider doing something
for the world – whether through their
job or volunteering. I also remind them
to take care of themselves – we often
forget this in our high-speed world.
There is nothing like a nap, hike, facial,
good novel, or bike ride to eliminate
stress.
What interaction have you had
with alumni while working at Bradley?
I keep in touch with many of my former students. Thank goodness for email.
I love to receive wedding invitations, birth announcements, and long, chatty
emails from alumni. I just met two recent graduates for dinner and it was wonderful
to catch up.
What upcoming change on campus
are you most looking forward to (i.e.
new president, new facilities, etc)?
The new Recreation Center will be magnificent and I am very much looking forward to working with our next president.
What’s one thing you would like
to pass on to alumni of Bradley?
Remember to express appreciation
to those who have had an impact on your
life.
View the archived Alumni Spotlights. Go>