Shirley Bernard, educator, was born in New York City April 11, 1928. She received her B.A. in speech from Brooklyn College (1954), her master's degree in English from New York University (1960), and her Ph.D. in women's studies from Union Graduate School (1975). Beginning in 1962, Bernard taught English and women's studies at Fullerton College. She was married to and divorced from Sherwood Agress; they have one son, David .
Bernard is a member of the American Association of University Professors, the Faculty Association of California Community Colleges, the American Association in Junior Community Colleges, and the National Women's Studies Association. She was a founder of the Fullerton College Commission for Women's Concerns (1974) and served as president in 1976. She was a founding member of California Women in Higher Education (1973) and served as president in 1977. She was a founder of the California chapter of the National Women's Political Caucus (1973). In the National Organization for Women, she has served as membership chairman of the Western Region (1967), National Board member (1968-1972), National Executive Committee member (1970-1972), and Western Regional Director (1970-1972).
From the guide to the Papers of NOW officers, 1966-1981, (Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute)
