Meet Our Alumni: Dr. Vanessa Ann Claus
by Kendra R. Parker
Dr. Vanessa Ann Claus ‘ 08 graduated with a dual major in Women’s Studies* and Communication. Dr. Claus is a Lead Faculty Member at Colorado State University-Global Campus teaching business and management courses and publishing in peer-reviewed journals. In 2013, she co-published “Culture and leadership: Women in nonprofit and for-profit leadership positions within the European Union” in Human Resource Development International. Dr. Claus shares with us her formative experiences as a Hope student and the importance of Women’s Studies in developing critical thinking “outside the box.”
What are you doing now? What paths led you to this point?
I firmly believe that I have the best career in the world. I am a Lead Faculty member at Colorado State University-Global Campus. Additionally, I am also the owner of Advanced Academic Editing & Coaching, LLC.
I have a Master of Science in Human Resources and Education Development from Eastern Michigan University and a Ph.D. in Human Resource Development from Texas A&M University (TAMU). While at TAMU, I worked as a Graduate Assistant teaching online courses. From there, I fell in love with teaching online. A lot has brought me to where I am today, but I feel blessed to have a solid education.
Did you major/minor in WGS, and if so, how did your WGS major/minor/certificate shape you? If not, how did you come to WGS as an academic discipline?
I have a dual major from Hope College. My majors are in Communication and Women’s Studies. During my first semester at Hope College, I was enrolled in Dr. Julie Kipp’s First Year Seminar (FYS) course, “Activism and Advocates.” Dr. Kipp is an instructor like no other. She is opinionated, humorous, brilliant, and unique.
Since Dr. Kipp was my FYS advisor and my instructor, she recommended I enroll in some Women’s Studies courses. I was hesitant, but she pushed me to take one. From there, I was hooked. I took courses with Dr. Jane Dickie, Dr. Jane VanderVeld, and many other brilliant women who were passionate about different topics.
Side note: To the person who enrolled me in Dr. Kipp’s FYS, thank you! I could not ask for a better FYS experience, which opened so many paths and doors.
How did your WGS education shape you?
The ability to think critically and to analyze the world around you is essential. While I learned so much from the faculty and my classmates in the WGS program, the most important skill that I acquired was thinking outside of the box. In fact, without the WGS program, I likely would not be where I am today. Thinking critically has allowed me to successfully complete my graduate and doctoral programs.
In addition to the invaluable skill of critical thinking, I also found my voice. I learned that my voice is important and that everyone is entitled to speaking their truth. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to interact with unique individuals, who I might not have met on campus otherwise, while in the WGS program.
What advice would you give to current WGS students or students considering WGS as a major or minor?
I received a lot of backlash and comments for being a Women’s Studies major. When I started my first Women’s Studies course, it was not uncommon for people to voice their questions, concerns, and offensive comments about my degree program choice. Some of the comments that I vividly remember include, “What would anyone do with a degree in Women’s Studies?” or ”Are you a feminist now?” or “Are you a lesbian?” Honestly, I cannot even remember all of the comments that I heard from individuals, but I am so glad that I didn’t listen to the feedback of others. Take a WGS course. Enter the course with an open mind. The WGS graduates are some of my dearest friends, to date. You will likely find your home in the WGS community.
If you could teach any WGS course, what would you title it, who is one person you would include on the syllabus, and why?
Good question. I would title my course “Be Your Best Feminist” because I believe feminism is personal. We each have our own worldviews, experiences, and perspectives. To make feminism a more acceptable term, it is important that we recognize who we are (as feminists) and how we can make a change given our passions, interests, and goals.
If I could include any speaker in the syllabus it would be Emma Watson. I think she is poised, intelligent, and well spoken. Her quote, “If you stand for equality, then you’re a feminist. Sorry to tell you,” is moving. I wonder how many people would categorize themselves as feminists after recognizing what true feminism means?
* The Hope College Women’s and Gender Studies Program went under a formal name change from “Women’s Studies” to “Women’s and Gender Studies” in fall 2014.
Are you a WGS alum who would like to be featured on our blog? Email us! wgs AT hope DOT edu