February 07, 2022
Angela Towne taking inclusive approach to role as LGBTQ Resource Center coordinator
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Angela Towne is the new LGBTQ Resource Center coordinator at SIU, and she said her goals include “connecting with students, faculty and staff, building and supporting a vibrantly healthy queer and ally community and having fun in the process.”
Towne has already scheduled a number of special events and activities, including All Bodies Welcome Yoga, Drop-in Volunteer Lunch Hour, and collecting items for transitioning students who visit the Career Development Center’s Professional Clothing Closet.
This active, welcoming approach is one of the reasons Towne was chosen to lead the center, according to Paul Frazier, vice chancellor for diversity, equity and inclusion.
“Dr. Towne brings to SIU extensive experience as an LGBTQ-inclusive educator, counselor and advocate,” Frazier said. “SIU has a long tradition of supporting inclusive excellence, access and opportunity, and I’m confident she will continue and expand upon that tradition including providing a wide array of programs, services and support to our LGBTQ community and allies.”
Prepared and experienced
Towne earned both her doctoral and master’s degrees in human sexuality studies at Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania, and holds a bachelor’s degree in health psychology from Bastyr University of Natural Health Sciences in Kenmore, Washington.
She has worked in the sexuality and gender field since 2001 in locations all across the United States in the social service, public health, academic and media fields as an educator, counselor and program leader. Most recently, she has taught at Texas Christian University’s Women & Gender Studies and Widener University’s Center for Human Sexuality Studies.
Campus-wide inclusiveness
The LGBTQ Resource Center is part of the Student Multicultural Resource Center, a division of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The SMRC fosters an environment of respect, access and inclusion across campus and offers a wide variety of services, programs and support for students, faculty and staff. Located in Student Services Building, Room 140, the office also includes:
For more information about the LGBTQ Center and the services and support it provides, contact Towne at angela.towne@siu.edu or 618-453-5627.