Entering the academic world during the transformative period of the late 1960s and early 1970s, Mary Kay Thompson Tetreault showcases her experiences as a pioneering feminist scholar. This memoir, titled Living When Everything Changed: My Life in Academia, offers a unique perspective on the challenges faced by the first generation of women in academia, who had to carve their own paths in a male-dominated environment.

The late 1960s marked not only the dawn of the women’s rights movement but also a significant shift in various academic fields. With limited female role models available, early feminist academics had to establish their credibility and prove that feminist scholarship was a valid and essential area of study. In her compelling memoir, Tetreault recounts her journey from a Catholic girl in small-town Nebraska to becoming a respected university administrator.

Her narrative spans her experiences at three distinct academic institutions: the small progressive Lewis & Clark College, the large regional university of Cal State Fullerton, and the rapidly growing Portland State University. Through these varied settings, Tetreault reflects on her accomplishments and the obstacles she encountered along the way.

One of the central themes of Tetreault’s memoir is the struggle for reform within the university system. As many feminist scholars transitioned into administrative roles, they hoped to enact meaningful change from within the system. However, they often faced entrenched hierarchies, bureaucratic challenges, and the old boys’ networks that resisted their efforts to implement feminist principles effectively.

With remarkable honesty and compassion, Tetreault offers readers an intimate look into an era that significantly altered both women’s lives and the culture of universities. Her reflections highlight the progress made by second-wave feminism while also acknowledging the ongoing need for reform within academic institutions.

This memoir serves not only as a personal narrative but also as a historical document that documents the profound changes that have occurred in academia over the decades. The journey of Mary Kay Thompson Tetreault is one of resilience, passion, and a relentless pursuit of equality and justice in higher education.

Additionally, it is important to note that the Acknowledgments section was inadvertently omitted from the first printing of this book. The author expresses her apologies for this oversight and includes the missing acknowledgments here, ensuring that future printings will incorporate this crucial information.