Oral History Interview, Judith Houck (2546)

Abstract

In her July 2025 interview with Edwin Elizabeth Thomas, Judith Houck details her journey in the Gender & Women’s Studies (GWS) Department at UW-Madison, starting as a graduate and TA and becoming a professor and chair of the department. She discusses her initial interest in the field, originally studying history of science and turning to GWS after taking a class on the history of women’s health. She mentions professor Elaine Marks in particular for teaching a seminar during her graduate studies that further sparked her decision to pursue GWS. Houck also touches on her two terms as chair of the GWS Department, noting that she overall has loved her time as leader while mentioning some downsides of the responsibility. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the GWS @ 50 Oral History Project of the UW-Madison Archives & Records Management oral history collection.