Originally constructed as a women’s dormitory when VSU was founded in 1906, Ashley Hall has undergone several transformations over the years. Once a residence space for students, the building was later converted into office space, which it remains today.  

Home to a variety of academic programs and departments, including the advising team, the departments of philosophy, history and women, gender, and sexuality studies (WGSS), Ashley Hall stands as both a historical landmark and a modern academic hub. 

The goal of the photoshoot in Ashley Hall was to capture the building’s distinctive academic energy and share it with the wider campus community. The aim was to highlight the space as an inviting, studious environment where students could gather to work, collaborate, and deepen their learning. As the home base for the WGSS program, the building provides an ideal backdrop for sparking interest in this interdisciplinary minor. 

The WGSS program offers students the opportunity to engage with critical social issues, analyze historical and contemporary perspectives on gender and contribute to academic research and activism. 

 As a 15-hour minor, WGSS is designed to complement any major by broadening students’ understanding of diverse human experiences through courses on feminist theory, women in literature, art, media, healthcare, social justice, queer theory and the intersections of race, class, and gender.  

The program also offers students the chance to enrich their education through study abroad opportunities, including an immersive experience in Ireland, where participants can earn up to six credit hours toward their minor. 

Gertrude, a WGSS graduate assistant at VSU, reflected on the transformative experience of studying abroad in Ireland, noting that the opportunity was so impactful she plans to return next summer. 

Ashley Hall is not only a place of study but also a space for community building and academic growth. In addition to serving as a physical space for the WGSS program, Ashley Hall fosters a sense of connection among students, faculty, and staff.  

Through its rich history and versatile facilities, it invites students to see it as more than just an office building, but as a dynamic and inspiring place to explore new ideas, engage with critical conversations , and further academic and personal development. 

Showcasing Ashley Hall as a vibrant location is an essential part of the campus experience.  Highlighting the building’s beauty and academic atmosphere, the photoshoot underscores the importance of spaces like Ashley Hall in supporting student success and engagement with diverse fields of study. 

For students interested in expanding their academic horizons and exploring the complexities of gender, sexuality, and social justice, the WGSS minor offers a powerful opportunity. Ashley Hall, with its rich academic history and welcoming atmosphere, serves as a fitting home for a program that encourages critical thought, intellectual growth , and community involvement. 

Written by Ibec Francis, Photo Editor. Photos by Ibec Francis.