Dr. Elaine (Micki) Ginsberg, former department chair and professor at Eberly College, died on Friday, August 9, 2024.
Over her 35-year career at WVU, Micki was a generous mentor and an innovative administrator. When Micki chaired the English Department in the 1980s, she was the first woman to hold that position in not only the department but also in the Eberly College of Arts & Sciences at WVU. She also played a key role in establishing the Women’s Studies program (now the Women’s and Gender Studies program) and was an early advocate for the LGBTQ+ community on campus. Additionally, Micki served as Vice-President of Academic Affairs.
After her retirement in 2000, Micki continued to support students as a donor to West Virginia University.
When the chair of the English Department at the time, Tim Adams, asked Micki what sort of ceremony she wanted for her retirement, she said didn't want a ceremony at all. Instead, she asked for something that a broad mix of people might enjoy. The celebration became a retirement “prom” held on the floor of the Stansbury gym (the ground floor of the building that housed the English department), with a dance-mix CD curated by Dennis Allen. Because Micki was moving to Florida, the prom had a Key West theme, including plastic flamingos.
Like her retirement prom, Micki was one of a kind. She touched many lives as a teacher, scholar, advocate and friend.
Dr. Rudolph P. Almasy, Dean Emeritus of the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences and Emeritus Professor and Chair of English, credits Micki with launching his administrative career when she chose him as her associate chair.
“Her leadership represented a change in the culture of the department,” he said. “As I went on to become a chair and a dean, I realized that Micki had taught me that positive changes depend on a leader who can be decisive, clear and fair.”
Dr. Judith Gold Stitzel, founding director of the Center for Women’s and Gender Studies at WVU and English professor emerita said, “There would never be a Women’s and Gender Studies program without Micki. She was a constant and supportive presence. I will miss her.”
Dr. Melanie J. Cook, retired assistant dean in the Office of Student Conduct, notes that Micki will be remembered for her persistence, her resilience and her extraordinary gifts as a friend.
Donations in memory of Elaine Ginsberg may be made to the West Virginia University Foundation. Please specify the following fund: 2W218, Graduate Student Enrichment.
Read the obituary for Dr. Ginsberg or review a memorial webpage created by Micki’s family in her honor.
