Dr. William Leap, Anthropology Department Head
Dr. Cathy Schaeff, Biology Department Head

Many professors here at AU are more than just people who stand in the front of a classroom and talk to you. They are passionate about education and about sharing their interests with students. The professors provide help with special projects, find opportunities for students to be involved in research projects, and assist with finding volunteer and internship experiences. Many professors have also spent a lifetime fighting for GLBT rights in their communities, as well as here on campus.

Throughout his 37 years as a professor at AU, Dr. William Leap has strived to make AU “an environment where you don’t have to feel wrong about who you are as a sexual person.” He is leading several research projects on GLBT studies and encourages student participation as research assistants. Dr. Leap helps students incorporate GLBT issues into their studies. “We need gay historians, queer accountants and trans chemists; we can do this at AU.”

Dr. Leap helps students with special projects that have to do with GLBT issues. “AU has very supportive faculty in every department that help and encourage students to include GLBT issues into their track of study.”

Dr. Cathy Schaeff believes that AU is “a fabulous place to work as a queer person. We have - same-sex partner health and education benefits, are provided the same maternity benefits, and there is a wonderful, welcoming environment on campus toward GLBT faculty, staff, and their families.” She believes that when faculty members feel comfortable with being out, it fosters a better environment for students to feel comfortable with being out”, and says that at AU there is “a great support system to be yourself and to discover more about yourself.”

Dr. Schaeff is leading several research projects on GLBT issues and looks for student involvement in the research process. She also comments that “there are groups and events at AU for GLBTA people, and the AU GLBT community has a presence at both official AU and local events.”