Syracuse University has appointed professor Margaret Himley as director of the LGBT studies program in the College of Arts and Sciences, the university announced Thursday.

Himley, who co-founded the LGBT studies program in 2006, will work to create an LGBT studies major, per a Thursday SU News release. The creation of the major was one of the recommendations of the Chancellor’s Workgroup on Diversity and Inclusion.

Himley previously worked as SU’s associate provost for international education and engagement, leading the university’s study abroad programs.

In her new role, she will supervise the minor and teach LGBT studies courses. Himley plans to create a Center for Critical Sexuality Studies and to make the LGBT studies minor more interdisciplinary, intersectional and international.

The center will serve as a “gathering place for faculty and students to support research, teaching and activism,” per the release.