Jane E. Vallier

Jane Vallier has spent the major portion of her professional career promoting and honoring the achievements of women. While working on her Ph.D. degree she began the first scholarly biographical work on Celia Thaxter. Her research subsequently evolved into "Poet on Demand: The Life, Letters, and Works of Celia Thaxter" which is now in its second edition. Celia Thaxter was the most widely published female poet in America during the second half of the 19th century. Following her death in 1894, Thaxter's work gradually lost exposure and popularity, primarily because it was that of a female and it was thus regarded as "trivial". Largely because of Jane's research and publications, one of America's female treasures is now being re-established and recognized as a dynamic influence in our country's literary history. over the past five years an increasing number of articles about Celia Thaxter have appeared in popular publications, and some of her original works have been reissued.

In addition to preserving and promoting the heritage left by Celia Thaxter, Jane has taught courses at Iowa State University on Gender and Communication in which she has had the opportunity to further the cause of women's rightful place in society, without demeaning the importance of men. She has also carried her message of gender equality to the public forum in numerous invited speeches she has given in Iowa and beyond. At the height of her career when this statement was written, it is expected that her intelligent and compassionate message will continue to positively influence the place of women in today's society. It is for this reason that a brick bearing the name of Jane Vallier is included in the Carrie Chapman Catt Plaza of Heroines at Iowa State University.

Submitted on 7/1/96