Ellen Rodrigues, director of the WVU LGBTQ+ Center and service assistant professor, is the recipient of the 2023 Neil S. Bucklew Social Justice Award.
Named after the 21st WVU president, the award is presented annually to a University faculty or staff member who demonstrates outstanding leadership, courage and support in the areas of social justice, diversity, equity and inclusion.
The outreach and effectiveness of the LGBTQ+ Center has grown exponentially under her leadership. She has implemented advocacy efforts that address the inclusion of people of all genders and sexual orientations through strategic partnerships, outreach initiatives and student engagement.
“Ellen is a long-time diversity champion,” Vice President of the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Meshea L. Poore said. “I value her strong voice and her powerful engagement in the work of creating a safe, diverse and welcoming WVU.
“In addition to her leadership of the LGBTQ+ Center, her teaching and advocacy work make her a pillar of our community. This award is a well-earned recognition of the impact she makes,” Poore added.
Rodrigues came to WVU in 2005 after hosting a group of law students while working on her bachelor’s degree in law at the Vila Velha University in Brazil. She earned her doctorate degree in political science from WVU in 2015.
Rodrigues has taught courses focused on LGBTQ+ perspectives through Women’s and Gender Studies since 2018. She also serves as a Title IX confidential resource and as a faculty advisor of the LGBTQ+ Club, a student organization with 300 members.
She has represented the University at the national Big 12 LGBTQIA+ Summit and spends many hours advising faculty, staff and students, while supporting school counselors, teachers and parents.
Angel Smothers, associate dean for community engagement in the School of Nursing, nominated Rodrigues for the Bucklew Award.
Pointing to her lectures and trainings tailored around professional development and cultural competence, Smothers said, “Her passion and dedication for social justice sets her apart. Based on our assessments and learning outcomes, these have proved to be meaningful educational ways to implement social justice not only in our classroom, but in our practice and fields of expertise.”
Kathyrn Williamson, research assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, expressed gratitude for the work Rodrigues does through classroom interactions as well as in less obvious ways.
“Rodrigues often works behind the scenes, supporting her colleagues and students,” Williamson said. “Her work represents the ‘hidden labor’ that too often goes unseen.”
Michael Ryan, coordinator of student support for Monongalia County Schools, praised Rodrigues as a valuable resource to the school system as it strives to create a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion for students and employees.
“Since I have been working with her, I have been impressed with her willingness to support our school system and make sure the needs of our system are being met. She is always wanting feedback and initiates conversations to make sure she is understanding and addressing the right things in her presentations. Her work ethic and attention to detail is what impresses me the most about her,” Ryan said.
As the recipient of the 2023 Neil S. Bucklew Social Justice Award, Rodrigues will receive $2,500 that may be used for professional development or directed to one of several worthy WVU Foundation accounts.