MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- To be more inclusive, West Virginia University is renaming one of its programs.

The Center for Women's Studies will now be known as The Center for Women's and Gender Studies.

Director Ann Oberhauser says the change is aimed at recognize the important role of gender, sexuality and feminism.

She says negative stereotypes of feminism are being replaced by a broader recognition of the importance of gender equality and diversity in society. Adding the word "gender'' implies an investigation of how femininity and masculinity are socially defined.

Danielle Davidov earned a graduate certificate in women's studies in 2010 and now works at WVU's Department of Emergency Medicine. She says the name change acknowledges women are a group worthy of special attention but opens the door to discussion of all gender issues.