A retired administrator at West Virginia University at Parkersburg who devoted 32 years to encouraging others to value equitable treatment for all is receiving WVU s highest award for womens advocacy.

The Universitys Council for Womens Concerns has selected Judith A. Higgs, recently retired dean of students at WVU Parkersburg, to receive the 2002-2003 Mary Catherine Buswell Award, its highest honor for outstanding service to women.

A”strong, quiet persistent advocate for women”is how Joseph Badgley, dean of academic affairs at WVU Parkersburg, describes Higgs.”Judy has been a tireless voice for the advancement of women,”he noted.

College officials cite her as a visionary role model who inspired others to seek equity and pursue goals.

“For more than 30 years, Judy has demonstrated her dedication to the advancement of women by providing encouragement to female students, mentoring female colleagues and advocating equal opportunity for all women,”said Erik Bitterbaum, president of WVU Parkersburg.”She is a highly admired and respected individual not only by those on our campus but also in the community and state.”

She began her career as an English instructor on the Parkersburg campus in 1969 and advanced to various administrative positions. In addition to serving as Parkersburgs dean of students since 1984, Higgs assumed the role of campus social justice officer in 1990. With her guidance, the college formed classes especially designed for single parents and displaced homemakers. She supported the development of a mentoring program for female students and led the effort to raise the campussocial justice awareness through programs and activities.

Higgs was one of the first West Virginia women chosen to participate in the National Institute for Leadership Development. She has served as a mentor for other Parkersburg faculty and staff who have since attended the institute.

“I have come to know Judy as a hardworking and dedicated individual whose life, both personal and professional, revolves around helping others,”said Catherine Mutz, assistant professor of social science.”She is a role model and an inspiration to all who have the opportunity to interact with her.”

Higgs earned her bachelors degree in English from Wheeling College and masters degrees in English and counseling, respectively, from Marquette University and WVU . She is a state-licensed and nationally certified counselor.

She will be honored, among others, at 7 p.m. Friday, April 11, in the Mountainlair Ballrooms as part of this year’s Weekend of Honors convocation ceremony. Her name also will be added to a permanent plaque in E. Moore Hall.

The Buswell Award is an annual honor given by the WVU Council for Women’s Concerns. It is named for Mary Catherine Buswell, an English professor and early proponent of equal opportunities for WVU women.