While the gender equity debate continues, some in high places show little worry over the current status of women in administrative ranks and say the numbers will increase.

"Each person is different," said University President Joab Thomas, adding that people are not hired for positions on the basis of gender.

There are a lot of women in the higher ranks including female deans, campus administrators and department heads, Thomas said.

Grace Hampton, vice provost and professor of art, said the University has continued to make efforts to bring women and minorities to administration positions.

"We are making all efforts possible to make sure women and minorities are in the pool of applicants," said Hampton, who is the only woman of three University vice provosts.

But Kristen Eisenbraun, Undergraduate Student Government coordinator for Women's Issues, disagreed, saying, "I don't think there are currently enough women in administration."

And women are being denied tenure and promotion, she said, adding that the University is feeling pressure to hire women and eventually the number of women in administrative positions will increase.

More women are entering the work force, pursuing careers and getting more advanced degrees than in the past, Thomas said.

Thomas also said the numbers of women in these positions will increase within the next few years.

Hampton said she has witnessed two female deans hired at University Park as well as female administrators added to Commonwealth Campuses during the last seven years.

"In the last executive searches, women have been on the final list of applicants," Hampton said, adding that administrators make sure to interview women.

But some students said the University could do more to hire women in administrative positions.

"I won't be happy until the University sees a woman president," said Shelia O'Donnell (junior-accounting). "All the administrators who have any voice in what goes on at the University are men."

Michelle Gasper (freshman-division of undergraduate studies) agreed, saying women do not have a say in what goes on at the University.

"When you look at who runs the University, you never see any females with big titles -- but instead they are secretaries to the administrators," Gasper said.