Berenice A. Carroll

Berenice Anita Carroll (née Jacobs; December 14, 1932 – May 10, 2018) was an American political scientist and activist specialized in peace and conflict studies, feminist theory, and women's studies. Carroll led the creation of the women's studies program at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and served as director of the Purdue University women's studies program. She initiated the establishment of the Coordinating Committee on Women in the Historical Profession in 1969.

Early life and education Carroll was born December 14, 1932, in New York City to Margaret and Morris Jacobs. Carroll volunteered and lived in a kibbutz during the early 1950s.

Career Carroll was the chair of the division of general studies at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) from 1966 to 1969.

The Coordinating Committee on Women in the Historical Profession was founded in 1969 after Carroll circulated a letter urging women who were going to attend the American Historical Association's annual meeting in Washington, D.C., in December to come together and discuss creating their own affiliate organization. From 1969 to 1970, Carroll and Gerda Lerner served as co-chairs. Carroll was the chair in 1971.

Carroll worked as the UIUC director of the department of gender and women's studies from 1983 to 1987 and led the creation of the women's studies program. The women's studies minor was also approved during her tenure. Georgia Fuller, an activist from the National Organization for Women in Virginia, was also involved in this campaign as was notable ERA supporter Sonia Johnson. These women planned a series of non-violent actions to raise awareness for the amendment which failed to see ratification by the 38 states necessary by 1982.

Personal life Carroll was married to Robert Carroll. They had two sons. She later married social psychologist Clint Flink. Shel died on May 10, 2018, in Lafayette, Indiana. Selected works