Cooky named co-chair for Purdue efforts in Action Collaborative on Preventing Sexual Harassment in Higher Education

Cheryl Cooky, professor of American studies and women’s, gender, and sexuality studies in the College of Liberal Arts and chair of the University Senate, has been named co-chair of Purdue’s participation in the National Academies’ Action Collaborative on Preventing Sexual Harassment in Higher Education.

The Action Collaborative brings together leaders from more than 60 academic and research institutions and key stakeholders to work toward targeted, collective action on addressing and preventing sexual harassment across all disciplines and among all people in higher education. The National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine serve as a neutral convener to facilitate dialog and discussion among stakeholder groups around topics of mutual interest and concern.

Jay Akridge, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and diversity, announced the appointment of Cooky effective May 1.

“We are very pleased that Purdue is part of the Action Collaborative,” Akridge said. “Creating and maintaining a climate of respect for all is one of our core values, and Professor Cooky’s commitment to this principle makes her a powerful and leading voice in this critical area.”

Cooky and co-chair Christie Wright, director of the Office of Institutional Equity, will lead Purdue’s participation in the Action Collaborative. 

“Addressing sexual harassment in higher education is vitally important to ensure we foster an environment that enables the success and full potential of all students, faculty and staff at Purdue,” Cooky said. “Our participation in the Action Collaborative will allow us to establish innovative best practices that will enhance our culture and emphasize our commitment to sustaining a welcoming campus for all. I am honored to serve Purdue in this important mission and look forward to working with key stakeholders and experts across campus.”

Her responsibilities include leading the development of a set of actions/initiatives to help Purdue create a more positive climate for all; helping assess the impact of any actions/initiatives the University pursues; and serving as a liaison to the Action Collaborative.