The President’s Commission on Gender Identity/Expression and Sexual Orientation (GIESO) has named Traci Gillig, assistant professor of communication, as the winner of this year’s Faculty/Staff Distinguished Achievement Award. The award demonstrates WSU’s commitment to fostering a more welcoming campus culture and climate and shows LGBTQIA2S+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual or Ally, and Two-Spirit) employees that they are seen and a valued and vibrant part of the university community.
Gillig teaches two courses at WSU that address social justice issues surrounding the LGBTQIA2S+ community, while her research focuses on improving the lives of LGBTQIA2S+ youth.
Gillig also works with Camp Brave Trails, a non-profit similar to a traditional summer camp with activities such as archery and hiking aimed at affirming LGBTQIA2S+ youth. One of Gillig’s nominators noted the value of Gillig’s work which examines “how LGBTQIA2S+ youth form communication networks and how those networks improve aspects of mental health.”
While Gillig has done this work since 2015, she has gone above and beyond by volunteering her own time over summer vacation to engage the participants.
One of Gillig’s nominators noted that “Dr. Gillig is incredibly kind and humble . . . We are lucky to have her.”
The selection committee said it was impressed with Gillig’s nomination and the many heartfelt words delivered by supportive colleagues.
