The University of Houston has announced a $1 million gift from MaryRoss Taylor in support of its Institute for Research on Women, Gender & Sexuality.

The gift will create the Taylor Endowed Professorship in Gender & Sexuality Studies in memory of her father, Pinchback Taylor, Jr., who died in 1962 at the age of 50, and fund future projects at the institute. Established in 2019, the institute generates data and conducts research and dialogue with the Houston and Harris County communities on the ways gender and sexuality, viewed intersectionally, affect all aspects of life, including workforce, health, family and relationships, social dynamics, leadership, and equity. A portion of the gift will enable the institute to expand its staff and hire additional analysts. The professorship will be held by Elizabeth Gregory, director of IRWGS and the Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies program in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

"My father was a real advocate for women and education, and he believed everyone should have equal opportunities," said Taylor, a longtime support of the university and activist for feminist causes. "His support and confidence in me gave me permission to be myself — regardless of the conventions for southern women at the time."

"The institute chronicles the real lives of Houstonians and tells stories that haven't been previously told," said Gregory. "We document the ways people have been excluded from full participation in the workforce and the community and pave the way for them to get the resources they need."