Redbird Buzz

Dr. Jill Hutchison, M.S. ’69 and Dr. Linda Herman, M.S. ’72, Ed.D. ’83 join Redbird Buzz during the 50th anniversary of Title IX—legislation passed in 1972 that prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs and activities, including college athletics.

Hutchison spent 28 seasons as Illinois State University’s head women’s basketball, was a four-time national president of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association, and is credited for influencing nationwide growth of the women's game. Herman spent two decades as ISU’s senior associate director of Athletics and senior women’s administrator following seven seasons as ISU’s head volleyball coach.

Hutchison and Herman both played essential roles—at Illinois State and on the national level—advocating for gender equity in college sports and advancing women’s athletics in the wake of Title IX. During this episode of Redbird Buzz, Hutchison and Herman reflect upon the growth of women’s athletics over the past 50 years while discussing areas for advancement over the next 50 years.

Illinois State Athletics will host a celebration of Title IX June 24-26, 2022. For more information, visit GoRedbirds.com/Title IX. And, for a historical review of the Redbirds who pushed for gender equity in college athletics before and after Title IX, check out the spring 2022 Illinois State magazine at News.IllinoisState.edu/Publications.

Dr. Terri Goss Kinzy, 20th president of Illinois State University, joins Redbird Buzz as the podcast's first official guest. She shares her excitement for the University’s spring commencement, she discusses how her curiosity to learn led her into the field of biochemistry, and she talks about the journey she took to become the first female president of ISU. Kinzy also gives advice on the importance of support and collaboration, and she shares a bit about some of her favorite things (hint: she loves a good mint chocolate chip ice cream).

Welcome to Redbird Buzz, a podcast produced by Illinois State University, featuring conversations—from beyond the quad—with Redbirds who share their unique stories, journeys, and contributions.