For over 30 years, Emporia State University has commemorated the month of March, Women’s History Month, by recognizing women who have dedicated their lives and efforts to increasing diversity and inclusion across the community.
This tradition continued Friday afternoon in the ESU Memorial Union with the annual Women’s History Month celebration. Activities included the recognition of Dr. Rachel Spaulding, an associate professor of English and modern languages in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and A’Kena LongBenton, an instructor of instructional design and technology in the School of Library and Information Management.
Spaulding was the recipient of the Ruth Schollinger Award, named after Emporia State’s first Affirmative Action officer and former Dean of Women, Ruth Schillinger. In nominating her, one student stated that Spaulding’s “superpower” is an ability to see the goals and talents of individuals before they realize them themselves.
Spaulding says this ability came from her own mentor.
Spaulding was also recognized for her ability to help non-English speakers grasp the language through non-traditional teaching methods, including using pop-culture resources such as television and media. Spaulding believes that when you present information in a relatable manner, or in a form that students are passionate about, the results reflect those efforts.
2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the Ruth Schillinger Award and ESU Director of Ethnic and Gender Studies Mallory Bishop says it is important to continue the legacy of Schillinger, saying she was an important “figurehead” of the collective of individuals who led the way for change that led to the current experience that students of all genders and identities can have today.
LongBenton, meanwhile, received the Mary Headrick Award, named after former counselor Mary Headrick. LongBenton was nominated by one of her students who called her a role model and someone “I want to be just like.”
LongBenton, originally a K-12 educator, says her connections with her students come from her time in the elementary classroom.
With Women’s History Month being a time where we honor and pay tribute to women role models throughout history, Longbenton tells KVOE News it is an honor and humbling experience to know that someone sees her in that similar light.
Since 1987, Women’s History Month has been observed every March to commemorate, encourage and celebrate the study of women’s roles in American history.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News
