Academic Mamas
Welcome to Academic Mamas at Boise State
Academic mothers navigate a unique intersection of roles, balancing their professional responsibilities with the joys and challenges of parenthood. This truth was brought to the forefront with the COVID pandemic, but the complex balancing act of motherhood and professional identity has long been recognized in the halls and conversations in academia.
Our vision
Our vision is to create a community of mothers to support one another in the complicated process of being a professional and a parent.
Academic Mamas at Boise State welcomes ANYONE who identifies as a mother or conducts research and advocacy work that centers mothers, mothering and motherwork.
What we do
Monthly meetings
Drop-in once-a-month meetings are a way to connect, celebrate and support one another. They will be held in the education building, Room 523, at noon on the last Friday of the month. Friends and little ones are welcome and remote attendees will receive a Zoom link.
Family and mom-only social events
Informal social events, such as family picnics, playdates, speed-friending with other campus mamas or mother’s networking events. These are on a drop-in basis and there is no obligation to attend every one. Those who are on maternity leave are very welcome to attend.
Weekly work circles
New! Coming Fall 2024, an Academic Mamas weekly “work circle.” Join us on Zoom once a week on Wednesdays from 10:30-11:45am to get work done in a supportive environment! Bring your writing project, analyses, spreadsheets or to-do list and we’ll work together to move forward. Every little bit helps! Groups will begin in September. Please email jenniferweaver@boisestate.edu for more information or to join.
Join Academic Mamas
We welcome all who would like to join our meetings or be a part of our mailing list. If you would like to join us, please send an email to one of our co-founders. You can also find us on Facebook.
Elizabeth Lester Barnes, MFA
Lecturer, Department of Writing Studies
elizabethbarnes@boisestate.edu
Jennifer Weaver, PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Psychological Science
jenniferweaver@boisestate.edu