Dr. Jacklyn Weier joined the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) program as assistant director and advisor in December 2022. Weier first began her journey at Illinois State University as a student. She earned her B.S. in anthropology with minors in business administration and peace and conflict resolution studies in 2016, followed by an M.A. in cultural anthropology and a graduate certificate in WGSS in 2018. Weier then completed Penn State University’s dual degree program, where she graduated with doctorates in geography and WGSS in 2022. Weier’s primary research interests include intentional communities, specifically communes, in the United States, and how socially constructed differences function “within the community economic system of the commune.”
Weier said she first learned about the opportunity from geography professor and former mentor Dr. Reecia Orzeck, a connection she made during her undergraduate work and has since maintained. Weier cited these connections and sense of community, along with her studies in WGSS, as leading factors in her decision to return to Illinois State.
“Because I already have a background in both feminist theories and queer theories, I thought it would be a good fit,” Weier said. “I was also excited to be in WGSS. I felt that the community here would be more progressive.”
When asked about her favorite part of being a member of the WGSS team, Weier said enthusiastically that her favorite part is teaching the introductory course, WGS 120: Gender, Sex, and Power.
“I love teaching freshmen,” she said. “I love the young minds who come in, eager to learn, and I think it’s incredibly valuable that they’re exposed to WGSS so early in their studies, and hopefully it contributes to their development.”
Weier said her overarching goal in her position is outreach, which further confirms her passion to increase students’ awareness of WGSS-related issues.
“Making sure we’re a part of preview, making sure we’re reaching the incoming classes” helps ensure that students know that WGSS is a program that can open up numerous opportunities for them academically, professionally, and socially.
We welcome Dr. Jacklyn Weier to Illinois State’s WGSS community and look forward to seeing what she has in store for us in the future.
