Norwich University Assistant Professor Elizabeth Gurian in the School of Justice Studies and Sociology is this year’s recipient of the Peggy R. Williams Emerging Professional Award given by Vermont Women in Higher Education (VWHE).
The annual award will be presented at the VWHE Annual Leadership Dinner onThursday, October 17 in Montpelier. It is given in recognition of a woman who is in the early stages of her career, demonstrates excellence in her contributions to students, colleagues, and/or her institution (in such areas as service, innovative programs, teaching, research, etc.), and shows promise and potential for future contributions.
“It was truly an honor to be nominated, and I am very happy to have been selected,” Gurian said.
Peggy R. Williams served 11 successful years as the seventh president and the first woman president of Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY, from 1997 – 2008. She was also president of Lyndon State College for eight years. In fall 1990, Williams was recognized by Creating Excellence magazine’s publisher’s list of Vermont's “Top Ten Achievers.” She holds a Ph.D. from Harvard University, a M.Ed. from the University of Vermont and a B.A. from St. Michael's College of the University of Toronto.
Dean Andrea Talentino wrote in her nominating letter that “Elizabeth exemplifies the qualities of Dr. Williams in all respects, from excellence in teaching and scholarship to focus on advancing the cause of women to good humor and an engaging personality. She is an emerging professional, an outstanding member of our faculty, and a great asset to our broader community. "
Prof. Gurian completed her doctoral work at the Institute of Criminology, University of Cambridge (UK) and was a consultant to the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime in Vienna. She joined Norwich in 2011, and is now an Assistant Professor in the School of Justice Studies and Sociology, teaching Methods of Social Science Research, Courts and the death penalty, advising students, and mentoring student research projects. In addition to teaching, Prof. Gurian continues to research and publish her own work which focuses on female homicide offenders and serial murders. She has also been actively involved in the Norwich Community, and serves as chair of The Athena Society, an organization open to students, staff and faculty which engages in dialogue, activities, and social events to help promote social justice at Norwich and within our society.
