About
Dr. Jeanne Petit serves as the Betty Roelofs '53 Miller Professor of History and Department Chair at Hope College. She has been a faculty member since 2000, teaching courses in U.S. Cultural History, World War I America, Recent America, and Women and Gender in United States History.
Education:
- Ph.D. (2000) and M.A. (1993) from University of Notre Dame
- B.A. (1992) from Knox College
Her research focuses on intersections of religion, gender, and immigration in American history. Current projects examine the interfaith movement's role in founding the USO during World Wars I and II, with a book titled United for Uncle Sam: Protestants, Catholics, Jews and the Origins of the USO in progress. Earlier work includes the book The Men and Women We Want: Gender, Race and the Progressive Era Literacy Test Debate and numerous articles on Catholic women's activism and community work.
Publications from 2004-2024 show consistent focus on gender dynamics in Catholic-American contexts, interfaith mobilization during wartime, and immigration policy debates. Her work bridges religious studies, women's history, and ethnic community development.
Scientific Awards:
- Multiple NEH and Mellon Foundation grants
- Littleton Griswold Grant for Law & Society research
- Dorothy Mohler Research Grant
- Cushwa Center Travel Grant
- Teagle Course Development Grant
Dr. Petit previously directed Hope College's Women's and Gender Studies program and remains active on its council. She has received multiple course development and research initiative grants for interdisciplinary projects including peace studies collaborations.
