Sandra Pyke, who served in roles at what is now York University's Faculty of Health - then part of the Faculty of Arts & Science - and Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) is remembered as a trailblazing psychologist who expanded feminist studies. She passed away on March 12.
Even early in her career, Pyke was already reshaping the field of psychology and women's studies.
In 1972, she joined several York faculty members and graduate students in submitting proposals on feminist topics to the annual convention of the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA). When their work was rejected, they proposed an alternative: a joint symposium for the convention.
That, too, was turned down.
Sandra Pyke
Unwilling to accept the exclusion of feminist scholarship, the group organized their own event - "On Women, By Women" - at a hotel adjacent to the CPA convention site. Hundreds attended, making the gathering standing room only and demonstrating the depth of interest in women-centred perspectives within psychology.
The CPA took notice, and asked Pyke to be a member of its Task Force on Women in Psychology. The group produced over 100 recommendations for change, including the establishment of a Section on Women in Psychology, for which she would serve as a coordinator. Later, from 1981-82, she served as president of CPA.
Pyke brought similar advancement of feminist scholarship to York as the first woman dean of FGS, in 1987. One of her principal goals leading FGS was to establish a graduate program in women's studies, which she pursued alongside her dedication to improving the educational experience of graduate students. Under her leadership, York became the first university in Canada to offer a PhD in women's studies, with its first cohort admitted in 1992 - her final year as dean.
Before her appointment leading FGS, Pyke made an impact at the University. She began in 1966 in the Faculty of Arts & Science as a professor of psychology cross-appointed to the Counselling and Development Centre (CDC), then known as Professional Services. There she developed an innovative feminist workshop program that included a feminist library, a drop-in centre, support and consciousness-raising groups, and individual counselling - services that were groundbreaking at the time.
She later continued to advance opportunities for women, feminist studies and students in positions as Chair of the CDC and later as Chair of the psychology department. She also served as advisor to the president on the status of women in 1978-79, advocating for the needs and advancement of women faculty, staff and students.
Her influence extended well beyond York. A prolific scholar, Pyke published in areas including psychology and women's studies. She also co-authored The Science Game, a widely used textbook on research methodology that went through multiple editions. Her work appeared in journals such as Canadian Psychologist, Canadian Psychology, Psychology of Women Quarterly and the International Journal of Women's Studies.
Pyke received numerous honours in recognition of her contributions, including the CPA's Award for Distinguished Contributions to Canadian Psychology (1996) and its Distinguished Lifetime Service Award (2008). At York, she was named University Professor at the 1999 Spring Convocation. Several awards have since been established in her name, including the Sandra Pyke Award for Graduate Student Excellence and the Sandra Pyke Conference Fellowship, both of which support graduate students in psychology and gender, feminist and women's studies.
After retiring in 2002, Pyke remained closely connected to York through its Retirees' Association, serving as co-chair in 2010. She continued her advocacy nationally as president of the College and University Retiree Associations of Canada in 2014.
Pyke is remembered by colleagues for her principled leadership, her commitment to supporting staff and students within the Department of Psychology and her role in advancing psychology and feminism at York and beyond.
This story was originally featured in YFile, York University's community newsletter.
