Iowa State University’s proposed closure of the women’s and gender studies (WGS) major is drawing mixed reactions from faculty, alumni and students, highlighting broader questions about academic priorities, student opportunities and the future of interdisciplinary programs on campus.
The recommendation comes as part of the Program Vitality Review, which evaluates programs based on enrollment and alignment with workforce needs. While the major may be discontinued, many courses and related programming are expected to remain.
For Karen Kedrowski, director of the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics, the change is both disappointing and nuanced.
“I speak only for myself here,” Kedrowski said. “While I am saddened that Iowa State will no longer offer the WGS major, I am grateful that future students will still be able to take women’s and gender studies courses.”
Kedrowski emphasized that the Catt Center’s work will continue largely unchanged, even if the major is eliminated.
“Dr. Johnson and I teach courses in women’s and gender studies and the Catt Center and WGS often co-sponsor programming,” Kedrowski said.
When asked about potential impacts, Kedrowski said the center’s broad base of support will sustain its mission.
“The Catt Center’s work draws support from many corners of the University, the Ames community, and the state,” Kedrowski said.
Looking ahead, Kedrowski pointed to new initiatives such as Cyclone Civics as an opportunity for growth rather than competition.
“The Center for Cyclone Civics will expand and reinforce the civic engagement momentum built by the Catt Center. The Catt Center will continue its activities and will collaborate with Cyclone Civics whenever it’s appropriate,” Kedrowski said.
Kedrowski also underscored the center’s unique role in the state.
“The Carrie Chapman Catt Center is the only entity in Iowa that focuses on women in Iowa politics research. We will continue to tell women’s stories, and document their contributions to our state and promote civic engagement in the spirit of our namesake,” Kedrowski said.
For students and alumni concerned about the future of WGS, Kedrowski encourages continued learning beyond formal degree programs.
“Earning a college degree is not the end of your educational journey but a milestone in a lifelong pursuit. You can continue to learn about subjects of interest by reading books, watching documentaries, exploring libraries and archives, and talking with experts and elders,” Kedrowski said.
Still, for recent graduates, the impact of the program extends far beyond the classroom.
Gabrielle Grimes, a 2025 alum who double majored in English and WGS, said her degree played a central role in shaping her career path.
“My women’s and gender studies degree has played such a big part in tailoring my job search toward a passionate and fulfilling career,” Grimes said. “Although my English degree is prominent in my pursuit of a career in editing as well as my future education at graduate school, what I learned and took away from women’s and gender studies is at the core of what I research and why I do what I do.”
Grimes said the degree expanded her academic and professional opportunities, including acceptance into multiple graduate programs.
“My WGS degree has done nothing but expand my opportunities within education as well as my future prospects as an editor,” Grimes said. “The graduate program I will begin in the fall at the University of Maine is quite literally titled ‘Gender and Literature.’ My application as well as my chances of getting into the program would’ve been slimmer if I hadn’t had my WGS degree.”
Beyond career outcomes, Grimes emphasized the personal and intellectual growth she experienced through the program.
“WGS has significantly broadened my perspectives, benefiting me in both my personal and professional life,” Grimes said. “Women’s and gender studies prepared me for adult conversation and has allowed me to grow more than I have in years.”
Grimes’ reaction to the proposed closure was immediate.
“My initial reaction was shock. I thought the program was doing really well and had gotten so much out of it that I didn’t see losing the major a possibility,” Grimes said.
Grimes added that the program offered more than academic value.
“I fear that without the WGS program, we’re not only limiting students’ potential learning opportunities and career advantages, but taking away an inclusive, warm, and forever growing community,” Grimes said.
Grimes also pushed back against the idea that WGS lacks workforce relevance.
“I would say that is completely false. WGS teaches you how to not only understand but to empathize with those around you, leading to a very valuable quality in the workforce: people skills,” Grimes said.
Current students echo similar sentiments, even those not majoring in the field.
Kamdyn Hammond, a junior majoring in English with a minor in WGS, said she was drawn to the program early in her college career.
“I took the intro to women’s and gender studies course my first semester here at Iowa State and fell in love with what the program had to offer,” Hammond said. “The program became a place to advance my own interests in gendered social constructs and feminism.”
Hammond noted the academic overlap between her major and minor.
“As an English major, the WGS program perfectly aligns with my studies. Oftentimes, I find significant concepts being interconnected across both disciplines,” Hammond said.
Hammond added that the program has strengthened her analytical skills.
“Having a WGS background allows me to expand on the portrayal of women and the invention of gender roles in my literature courses,” Hammond said. “The concept of intersectionality has aided my ability to see different perspectives and how identity may influence experience and narration.”
While the proposed closure may not directly affect her ability to complete the minor, Hammond said it still raises concerns.
“The decision to cut the women’s and gender studies major won’t directly impact the completion of my minor; however, it is disheartening to see restrictions on the opportunities this program could offer,” Hammond said. “The program has given me a learning environment to further my interests and a place to voice my thoughts on societal issues surrounding women and gender constructs.”
As Iowa State reviews its academic programs, the future of women’s and gender studies highlights a larger tension between cost-focused decisions and the educational experiences students and alumni value.
