An award-winning historian will visit The University of Memphis today to give a lecture titled "Women and the American Presidency."
"Sara Evans is one of the few that define the field of women's history in the 70's. To have her come to our University is amazing," said Janann M. Sherman, chair of the history department.
Evans, author and professor at the University of Minnesota, will give a lecture at 7 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom. This event is free and open to the public.
"American culture has defined women running for presidency as ridiculous or marginal. And it needs to be taken seriously," Evans said.
Evans will discuss Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, as well as other women who have run for office in the past, such as the presidency or vice presidency.
"I am so honored to have the opportunity for Sara Evans to come speak at our University," said Wendy Clark, history professor.
Clark said the lecture is not only for women. It is for anyone that has an interest in political studies, women's studies and economics.
Evans specializes in gender analysis, family history, American women's history and social movements. She has participated in writing several publications on women's studies including "Personal Politics," a book about the feminist movement in the 1960s and the work experiences of being disregarded by male colleagues.
She has also received several awards, including Scholar of the College Liberal Arts, and she volunteered in the civil rights movement.
"I hope my lecture will encourage students to have a broader context of women and I want students to know that we have so much more to do to help our country," Evans said.
Michael Blum, a graduate student studying history, said he is excited for Evans' lecture.
"She provides unique insights into women's participation in politics," he said.
Sherman said students would have a better understanding of the hardships women have to go through to participate in the political system as a whole.
"I think women's history is empowering, and I want men and women to be a part of that empowerment, because we are all citizens, and it is all of our history," Evans said.
