Angie Warren Perkins Award

Angie Warren Perkins was the first dean of women at the University of Tennessee, at the turn of the 20th century. The award named for her recognizes an outstanding faculty member.

This year’s award goes to Dr. Joy Desensi, chair of the Department of Exercise, Sport, and Leisure Studies since 2003. Dr. DeSensi has been instrumental in developing women’s studies courses in the social sciences, and specifically sports studies. Her nomination form says it best: “Joy has guided and directed a diverse faculty group through a tumultuous time in our college and has done so with grace, style, and tremendous integrity and sincerity. Her style of leadership nicely exemplifies a feminist approach to administration, in terms of caring and social justice. She guides and facilitates with a democratic style that is inclusive and welcoming of diverse perspectives.” Her list of previous awards for teaching, research, and leadership is long, including the Chancellor’s Award for Research, repeated awards from the Department of Education, and national awards for leadership and administration.