Women of character, courage, commitment celebrated at MTSU

MTSU put the wraps on its National Women’s History Month celebration Saturday, April 26, by acknowledging area residents who stand up for women’s rights.

Character Courage Commitment 2014 winners web

Honorees at the inaugural Women of Character, Courage and Commitment Gala at MTSU April 26 pose with their awards. From left are Demarius Love, representing Community Advocate Award winner Nashville General Sessions Judge Rachel L. Bell; Dr. Meredith Anne Higgs, MTSU university studies professor, recipient of the Passionate Educator Award; MTSU chemistry professor Dr. Judith Iriarte-Gross, recipient of the STEM Award; and MTSU junior Verinique D. Bailey of Smyrna, Tenn., who received the inaugural Collegiate Trailblazer Award. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)

The inaugural Women of Character, Courage and Commitment Gala was held in the Tennessee Room of the James Union Building.

Women and men in the MTSU community, Murfreesboro and Rutherford County who have been advocates for women’s rights were honored, including:

• Dr. Judith Iriarte-Gross, MTSU chemistry professor, who received the inaugural STEM Award for outstanding service to women in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. Her colleague Dr. Pat Patterson was nominated in the same category.

• Dr. Meredith Anne Higgs, MTSU university studies professor, who received the first Passionate Educator Award for outstanding advocacy of women by an education professional.

• MTSU junior Verinique D. Bailey of Smyrna, Tenn., who received the inaugural Collegiate Trailblazer Award as an exceptional contributor to women’s issues and advocate for women on the MTSU campus. Bailey is working toward a dual major in organizational communication and fashion merchandising. MTSU nursing major Brianne N. Knight also was nominated for this award.

• Nashville General Sessions Judge Rachel L. Bell, who received the first Community Advocate Award for outstanding advocacy of women in a local setting. Retired MTSU professor Ayne Cantrell also was nominated for this award.