Kathleen Gillon

Kathleen Gillon is an Assistant Professor of Higher Education at the University of Maine's College of Education and Human Development. Her research focuses on access and equity in higher education, particularly the role of geography in college access for marginalized students. She holds a Ph.D. (2015, Iowa State University), M.Ed. (2003, Vanderbilt University), and B.A. (2001, Christian Brothers University).

Her research examines intersections of gender, geography, and community capital influencing rural students' post-secondary opportunities. She has published in journals like Journal of College Student Development and co-edits a New Directions for Student Services issue on race and ethnicity in Greek life. Active in professional organizations such as ASHE and AERA, she previously worked in student success roles at Stony Brook University.

Her teaching includes courses on social justice theory, history of higher education, and developmental theory. Research trends show focus on rural education equity, gender dynamics, and institutional diversity practices. Advising and grants section highlights her editing work and directorate roles in admissions and women's identities coalitions.

Labs/teams include collaborative work with interdisciplinary teams on diversity initiatives and her involvement in professional association committees.