“It has always been important to me, not to just ‘talk the talk’ but actually ‘walk the walk’, so I am proud that this award draws attention to the exceptional equity work,...the specific and concrete actions...which I call everyday resistance, in which many of our OCUFA colleagues are engaged.”

These are the words Social Work faculty member, Dr. Susan Hillock, shared after being selected to receive the Status of Women and Equity Award 2018 from the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Association (OCUFA).

This award celebrates outstanding contributions, dedication and leadership from OCUFA members whose work has impacted, “advancement of professors, academic librarians, and/or academic staff who are Indigenous, women, racialized, LGBTQ2S+, living with disabilities, and/or belong to other historically marginalized groups.”

Professor Hillock has taught for over 20 years and worked with many seeking equity, including Indigenous, Francophone, immigrant/refugee, and queer communities. Her work focuses on the scholarship of teaching and learning, exploration of equality and social justice, promotion of social change, and the study of privilege and oppression in the classroom and field.

She believes it is, “necessary for her to work every day towards creating the social conditions necessary for social change.”

In keeping with her philosophy of “walking the walk,” this past October Prof. Hillock worked with Trent University Faculty Association and others to roll out Queering the Academy, a campaign to make a difference in academic spaces, combat discrimination, celebrate contributions, and ultimately create a more welcoming climate for staff, faculty and students. Prof. Hillock was touched by the response to their efforts.

“I have been blessed over my career to have some fabulous students, social work colleagues, and union peers who have inspired and supported my work. Thanks to the department of Social Work, TUFA, and my TUFA Equity Committee members.”