Patrick R. Grzanka

Patrick R. Grzanka is a Professor in the Department of Psychology and the inaugural Divisional Dean of Social Sciences at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland (2010). His research focuses on intersectionality, structural violence, and the role of institutions in perpetuating harm, particularly in psychology, medicine, and education. Grzanka is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and served as President of the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (2023-2024). He was also an associate editor of the Journal of Counseling Psychology and has contributed to multiple high-impact journals.

His academic leadership includes chairing the Interdisciplinary Program in Women, Gender, and Sexuality (2019–2023) and editorial roles in American Sociological Review and Sex Roles. Awards include the 2023 George A. Miller Award and the 2023 Distinguished Contribution to Public Policy Award. Grzanka’s work bridges academia and public engagement, with contributions to outlets like the Washington Post and The Tennessean.

Research interests emphasize critical analyses of systemic oppression, LGBTQ+ issues, feminist theory, and the ethics of scientific inquiry. He founded the Social Action Research Team, focusing on applied and justice-oriented projects. Though not currently admitting graduate students, he occasionally mentors undergraduates in his lab.