Loretta Pyles

Loretta Pyles is a Professor at the College of Integrated Health Sciences and School of Social Welfare at the University at Albany (SUNY). She earned her Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Kansas in 2005, following an M.A. in Philosophy from the same institution in 1994 and a B.A. in Sociology and Philosophy from Baker University in 1991. Dr. Pyles previously served as an Assistant Professor at Tulane University from 2005-2008 before joining the University at Albany in 2008, where she was promoted to full Professor in 2017 and served as Director of the Doctoral Program from 2018-2021.

Dr. Pyles' educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Social Work, University of Kansas (2005)
• M.A. in Philosophy, University of Kansas (1994)
• B.A. in Sociology and Philosophy, Baker University (1991)

As a critical social justice scholar, Dr. Pyles focuses on transformative social change and integrative body-mind-spirit practice. Her research examines how individuals, organizations, and communities resist and respond to poverty, violence against women, racism, and disasters within the context of climate crisis, neoliberal global capitalism, and social welfare retrenchment. Funded by the National Science Foundation, her disaster-related work has been particularly influential. A certified yoga instructor, she integrates mindfulness and embodied learning into her teaching approach. Her current research explores rewilding practices and movements in relation to climate change.

Dr. Pyles' scholarly contributions demonstrate a consistent focus on social justice, community organizing, and disaster response. Her publications span topics including economic survival strategies, faith-based disaster resilience, post-Katrina community revitalization, cultural competence in domestic violence response, and holistic self-care for activists. Her work bridges academic theory with practical applications for social change.

Her notable publications include:

• "Healing Justice: Holistic Self-Care for Change Makers" (Oxford University Press, 2018)
• "Progressive Community Organizing: Transformative Practice in a Globalizing World, 3rd ed." (Routledge, forthcoming)

Dr. Pyles has received National Science Foundation funding for her disaster-related research. Her interdisciplinary approach connects social work with environmental studies, spirituality, and community organizing, creating innovative pathways for addressing complex social problems in the context of climate change and global inequality.

As a certified yoga instructor, Dr. Pyles incorporates mind-body practices into her work with students and communities. Her leadership roles, including directing the Doctoral Program from 2018-2021, demonstrate her commitment to developing the next generation of social work scholars and practitioners.