In November 1972 Chancellor Dykes announced that a Commission for Women would be appointed, as recommended by the Task Force on Women. Eleven members were announced on November 3: Martha Begalla, coordinator, Women’s Programs; John Prados, dean of admissions; W. K. Stair, associate dean of the College of Engineering; Ann Wachter, associate professor of social work (chairperson); Lida Barrett, professor of mathematics; Sharon Lord, assistant professor of educational psychology and guidance; Barbara Wickersham, editorial assistant in the Learning Research Center; Theresa Starks, secretary in the College of Liberal Arts; Leatrice Burgess, junior in education; Mike Flanary, sophomore in business administration; and Korin Hearne, graduate student in zoology.
The CFW was appointed to advise on planning, implementation, and evaluation of university programs and services designed to improve the status of women. It was additionally to serve in a coordinating role by informing its members and the university community of programs and services available, to facilitate coordination of new and existing educational and extracurricular programs, to recommend and encourage research needed to assess the status of women at other institutions, to aid in ensuring campus and community access to information about the commission and university activities relative to the status of women, to recommend changes in policy or procedure relative to the concerns of women, and to be available to advise and consult with university departments on the needs and status of women.