International Studies and Programs has appointed Aminda Smith as the new co-director for academic programs, outreach, and engagement for MSU’s Center for Gender in Global Context (GenCen). Smith will succeed outgoing co-director Stephanie Nawyn, who has led GenCen since 2016 and is transitioning full-time to her role as associate professor of sociology.   

Smith has served as GenCen’s interim co-director since January 1, and is responsible for developing and managing academic programs for the center, including the College of Arts and Letters major and minor in Women’s and Gender Studies; minor in LGBTQ and Sexuality Studies; graduate specializations in Women’s and Gender Studies and Gender, Justice and Environmental Change; and the graduate specialization in International Development. 

"We are grateful for the transformative leadership of Dr. Nawyn, whose efforts have strengthened GenCen’s position as a global leader in gender studies,” said Steven Hanson, vice provost and dean for MSU International Studies and Programs. “With her rich experience and forward-thinking vision, Dr. Smith will undoubtedly continue this legacy of excellence and inspire, challenge, and guide us as we seek to better understand the complex and intersectional issues related to gender and sexuality."

Smith has been closely involved with GenCen since its inception. She has been a member of the advisory board, curriculum committee, and various fellowship and award committees. Additionally, she has been a GenCen Faculty Fellow since 2017 and has taught Women's and Gender Studies courses, reflecting her dedication to interdisciplinary education.

Smith is an associate professor in the Department of History. As a historian of modern China, she has conducted extensive research on Chinese communism and social movements, employing a global perspective and feminist methodologies. Smith holds a Ph.D. in History and East Asian Studies from Princeton University.

"Intersectional, international feminism and women’s and gender studies is at the very heart of who I am,” said Smith. “My vision for the future of GenCen builds upon the center's previous achievements by promoting interdisciplinary collaborations, fostering community engagement, and expanding the global reach of GenCen's programs.”

GenCen is led by co-directors, and Smith will share leadership duties with the center’s co-director for global research and engagement; a search for that position is currently underway.

Established in 2007, the Center for Gender in Global Context is housed in International Studies and Programs, MSU’s hub for international research, teaching and outreach. GenCen’s mission is to connect scholars, students and community stakeholders with feminist knowledge to advance social change.