After nine years of work with the Loyola Women’s Resource Center, director Patricia Boyett is leaving. She currently serves as an associate professor of history with a focus in gender and racial studies.
During her tenure with the university, she has made a strong impact on both students and faculty at the university.
Psychology senior Morgan Love describes the passion that Boyett gives to the university. Love said, “On countless occasions, Dr. Boyett has given her speeches about the Women’s Resource Center and the work she does here at Loyola and each time her eyes sparkle with such passion and love.”
Love finds that Boyett has effectively cultivated a space for women to feel strengthened and empowered. Love also hopes that creativity found in the Women’s Resource Center remains unchanged, and that in the future, it continues to serve as a safe space for women across campus.
Love said, “She has built a space that empowers women and strengthens them through numerous ways. She has touched everyone she has met, including me, and that will never change, even in her absence.”
Negina Khalili, a visiting professor from Afghanistan and associate director of the Women’s Resource Center has worked alongside Boyett in a variety of capacities. They have worked together on women’s issues on campus, queer visibility, and Take Back the Night programming.
Khalili affirms the importance of the Women’s Resource Center as a space for women to promote and advocate for their rights.
She said, “She is so kind, she is so strong and also so supportive with the students and all her colleagues.”
Khalili admires the work that Boyett has done in her time as a history professor and as director of the women’s resource center. Her work impacted Khalili before she even came to the U.S. as a professor and notes that she sees Boyett as a role model for both herself and other women.
Through Boyett’s experiences as a woman and working at Loyola, Khalili sees Boyett’s legacy as being one that will leave a lasting impact on the university.
Khalili said, “I’ve learned a lot of things from her. She also helped me to not feel alone and would talk with me and support me.”
Edelia Merida • Mar 11, 2024 at 10:36 am
Dr. Boyett is the very best. The love and support for her Loyola students have made quite an impact for years to come. Thanks for the years of service at the WRC. You are loved and admired far beyond the confines of the campus. This Loyola mom is so thankful my daughter had her as her professor and mentor. Wishing you all the very best in your next endeavor, Dr. Boyett.