Nita (Heard) Hardie, 83, passed away September 23, 2012. Nita obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from North Texas State University in 1953 and her masters degree in government from Indiana University in 1956. In 1964, Nita joined the Political Science Department at Western Michigan University where she served until her retirement in 1992. During her tenure, Nita developed courses in the area of race and gender equality and founded the Women's Studies program at the University. Nita was appointed Chair of the Social Science Area in 1972 and later became Assistant to the Dean of the College of General Studies. Nita retired after serving 28 years in various capacities at WMU. Following her retirement, Nita moved to Carefree, Arizona to be near to her mother Clyde Heard. Nita was a tireless advocate for the disenfranchised, giving of her time and money to her most cherished causes, including supporting the Archaeological Field School at ASU and funding a fellowship in the Women and Gender Studies program, also at ASU. Nita is survived by two children, two grandchildren, her former husband and her life partner Mary Sue Hyatt.