The start of the fall semester brought new staffing changes to the Carrie Chapman Catt Center on campus. Founded in 1992, the Catt Center aims to educate and intrigue Iowa State students and community members about the political process in the U.S.
Karen M. Kedrowski, director of the Catt Center, commented on the staffing changes this semester.
“Many of our programs are going to continue, but now, with more people, we can do more things,” Kedrowski said. “There’s a lot going on, and we actually hope that there will be further expansions in the future.”
Ashley Marsh, the previous administrative specialist, held her position at the Catt Center for nearly three to four years. This fall, she left her position to relocate to North Carolina, prompting the Catt Center to search for a new administrative specialist.
“We’re very sorry to see her go,” Kedrowski said.
The Catt Center has hired a new administrative assistant by the name of Melissa Martin, a previous RAYGUN employee.
“This is one of the most supportive departments that I’ve worked in,” Martin stated. “I feel fortunate to have landed here.”
Kedrowski complimented Martin on her great ideas as well as her commitment to the Catt Center.
Carrie Ann Johnson, associate director of outreach and communication, has been with the Catt Center since she was a graduate student, starting nearly five years ago. Now she has taken on the role of associate director of outreach and communication and helps out the Catt Center in many capacities.
“She plans our external programs,” Kedrowski said. “She also works on the archives of women’s political communications… and she helps oversee our small army of interns.”
Finally, Dr. Amy Erica Smith has received a promotion to the position of full professor in the political science department.
“She wanted to re-train […] to do something that she felt was a little closer to her everyday life,” Kedrowski said.
Now, Smith will be joining the Catt Center as the director of research. She plans to use her position to tell the stories of women in Iowa.
“She’s an incredibly brilliant and talented researcher,” Kedrowski said. “We’re really happy to have her.”
The Catt Center has a lot planned for this fall semester, including voter registration, lectures and absentee ballot education.
Kedrowski also wanted to highlight her Constitution Day Address happening Thursday, which will touch on political debates throughout the years.
For more information regarding the Carrie Chapman Catt Center, check out their website or Instagram page.
