Margaret Jane Slaughter, Professor Emerita at The University of New Mexico (UNM), passed away on June 4 at the age of 82. A prominent figure in the field of Women’s and Gender Studies, Slaughter was recognized for her scholarship on women in the Italian Resistance and her contributions to the Department of History at UNM.

A celebration of her life is scheduled for August at the University of New Mexico Alumni Memorial Chapel.

Born on September 5, 1941, in Bilwaskarma, Nicaragua, Slaughter pursued higher education at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She later earned her master’s degree and Ph.D. in History from UNM, focusing on modern European history. Her academic career included teaching positions at Nassau Community College and the University of Utah before she returned to UNM as an assistant professor in 1975.

Slaughter was known for her dedication to teaching core courses such as Western Civilization and Historiography while developing comprehensive courses on women and gender. She received numerous accolades for her teaching excellence, including the Burlington Northern Outstanding Teaching Award and the UNM Presidential Teaching Award.

Her scholarly work includes co-editing "European Women on the Left: Socialism, Feminism, and the Problems Faced by Political Women" with UNM Professor Robert Kern in 1983. In 1997, she published "Women in the Italian Resistance," which was selected as a “Choice Outstanding Book.” She also co-authored textbooks such as "Sharing the Stage: Biography and Gender in Western Civilization" with Melissa Bokovoy.

Throughout her career, Slaughter advocated fiercely for social justice and equity within academia. She played a pivotal role in advancing international women’s history and women's studies fields. At UNM, she served as acting director of Women’s Studies and founding director of the Feminist Research Institute.

In addition to her academic roles, Slaughter chaired several key committees at UNM including searches for university presidency candidates. Known for her effective administration skills, she was a strong advocate for equitable hiring practices.

Slaughter's personal interests included sports and horse riding. After retiring from UNM in 2011, she volunteered at Walkin N Circles Ranch while caring for her horses Wild Angel and Billy.

She is survived by family members including goddaughter Katherine Bokovoy; friends Melissa Bokovoy, Natasha Kolchevska; Yolanda Martinez; Virginia Scharff; Chris Wilson; their families; along with a broad community of colleagues and students worldwide.

A memorial service will be held on August 24 from 3-5 p.m., followed by a reception at the University of New Mexico Alumni Memorial Chapel.

Professor Chaouki Abdallah remarked: “Dr. Slaughter lived life to the fullest... She made UNM a better university.”

UNM Professor Emerita Vera Norwood stated: “UNM... were truly fortunate that Jane devoted her entire academic... career here.”

Professor Trisha Franzen described Slaughter as “the consummate mentor,” noting how she supported feminist studies students across disciplines.

Yolanda Martinez reflected: “I learned so much from [Jane]... She will be greatly missed.”

Connie Beimer commented: “Jane was a remarkable... friend... There’s a special place in our hearts for her.”

Melissa Bokovoy emphasized that “[Jane] prized mentoring… over everything else” while describing how former students often expressed gratitude towards Slaughter's impactful teachings.

Virginia Scharff shared: "[Jane] taught me pretty much everything I know about how to be an effective advocate."