Betty Coffey Award
Gillian Cleary
Gillian Cleary, a lecturer in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures in the College of Letters and Science, will receive the Betty Coffey Award honoring a member of the faculty or staff who demonstrates outstanding achievement in incorporating women’s perspectives into their curriculum. Given by the Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies Committee, the award carries an honorarium of $1,000.
Cleary is the creator of the Women Writers of Latin America course, which highlights the work of historically marginalized Latin American women writers. The course is designed to challenge biases in literary canons and introduce students to powerful perspectives on gender, identity and resilience.
Cleary also weaves women’s, gender and feminist issues into many of her other Spanish courses. She loves engaging students in discussion around themes related to gender roles in Latin America, as well as topical events, such as the recent election of Mexico’s first female president. Her courses foster a deep understanding of gender inequality and inspire students to apply those insights in their lives and communities.
In a nomination letter, MSU associate professor Patricia Catoira wrote, “Gillian is helping to eliminate barriers to success for women on campus, fostering a supportive environment that encourages all her students to realize their potential.”
Created in 1986, the award honors the memory of Betty Coffey, a faculty member in computer science from 1977 until her death in 1984, who was the first woman ever to achieve tenure in the College of Engineering. The award remembers Coffey’s contributions to faculty development, teaching excellence and women’s equity at MSU.