There are more women faculty on campus than ever before. But with the role of women underplayed in current discussions surrounding affirmative action, and vast differences in the number of women faculty members in various departments, "our work is still cut out for us," said Christina Maslach, psychology professor and faculty assistant to Chancellor Tien's Committee on the Status of Women.
New and recently promoted women faculty were honored at a Nov. 28 reception at Alumni House. Chancellor Tien and several department deans were also present to congratulate the women faculty members.
"There is a perception that things have changed for the better for women faculty," said Maslach. "Let me say loud and clear: There are still problems."
There are currently 308 women faculty at Berkeley, comprising 22 percent of the faculty population. Last year, women made up 21 percent of the faculty. The increase, said Maslach, was mostly in associate positions--38 percent of women faculty are associate professors. And 20 percent are from minority groups.
"Hiring this year and next will be critical," said Maslach. "There won't be many slots open after that. Some aggressive recruitment is needed to bring in the top candidates."
New women faculty for 1995-96 are Tracy Benning, assistant professor of environmental science and policy management; Carolyn Bertozzi, assistant professor of chemistry; Anne Cheng, assistant professor of English; Kathleen Collins, assistant professor of molecular and cell biology; Claire Finkelstein, acting professor of law; Bonnye Lynn Ingram, assistant professor of geography; Priya Joshi, assistant professor of English; Kathleen McCarthy, assistant professor of classics; Elisabeth Sadoulet, associate professor of agricultural and resource economics; Mary Ann Smart, assistant professor of music; Barrie Thorne, professor of sociology and women's studies; Iris Tommelein, acting associate professor of civil engineering; and Laurie Wilkie, assistant professor of anthropology.