Augustana understands the value and impact that historically marginalized people have on communities all over the world — recognizing that this university would not be the place it is without these students, faculty and staff. In the "At AU" series, the university aims to showcase these exceptional people so we can all hear their voices in an effort to foster positivity and create awareness of their experiences on campus.
For the month of March — Womxn’s History Month — Augustana is featuring Rev. Dr. Ann Milliken Pederson, professor of religion and program coordinator of medical humanities & society. A Bozeman, Montana, native, Pederson arrived in South Dakota with her husband, Gary, a South Dakota native. Hoping to find a university of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), she began teaching at Augustana in 1990. Pederson teaches Religion, Medicine & Ethics; Exploring the Christian Faith; Vocation & Designing Your Life; Bonhoeffer & Beyond; and Justice for Creation. She helped start Augustana’s medical humanities & society minor in 2020, and is an ordained pastor in the ELCA.
Q: Are there any women in particular at AU or elsewhere who inspire you?
A: First and foremost, my two important mentors at AU were/are Drs. Sandra Looney (professor emerita of English) and Maureen Diggins (professor emerita of biology). They did what they loved and found ways to always do so, even when the system seemed to complicate those efforts. Secondly, I love all of my encounters with Karie Frank (division coordinator of Humanities); she always makes me laugh. Finally, Courtney Chrystal ‘23 and Dr. Janet Blank Libra (professor of journalism) inspire that wonderful bit of naughtiness in me that every woman must have to go through life as an academic. Thirdly, I didn’t know how fascinating I found subjects like epigenetics, placentas and preterm birth rates until I worked with Dr. Jennifer Gubbels (associate professor of biology). She loves science, and it is contagious! Finally, Dr. Karla Abbott (associate professor of nursing) whose wisdom and spirituality life give me comfort and a sense of place in the world.
Q: What is it like for you to be a woman at AU?
A: The best thing is having new female colleagues in my department. For years, I was the only woman, and the best offer I received was to join the nursing department with various endeavors. They invited me to book studies, teach courses for their graduate programs and helped mentor me as a new faculty member. Now I cherish the friendships I have with women all across campus, from administrators to staff and other faculty. Many of us have learned to laugh with and support each other through some tough times. Hand signals during faculty meetings really help! Or, emojis on our phones can indicate others’ support when sexist things are being said or done!
Q: Have you been involved with any women-centered initiatives at AU? If so, which ones and why?
A: In my role as a pre-seminary advisor and current position as program coordinator for medical humanities & society, I have tried to be a colleague and teacher who can support those on paths that are often difficult. Having conversations over a cup of good, strong tea or buying someone coffee in the Huddle are informal ways in which I try to support women. I include strong feminist/womanist/liberationist voices in everything that I teach.
Q: Is there anything you’re passionate about and/or activities you’re involved in outside of AU?
A: Road trips with Gary, my partner, and our standard poodle, Arthur. Going to Montana. Music — I play the piano and flute. Watching marching bands. When I die, I hope a drumline is the music that welcomes me to another life.
To learn more about the "At AU Series," visit augie.edu/AtAU.