William C. Purdy

William C. Purdy is a Lecturer in the Department of Education at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His research focuses on the history of higher education in the Western U.S., education law, and policy analysis related to financial aid. He holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education and Organizational Change from UCLA (2016), a J.D. from Florida State University (2000), and a B.A. in History and English from the University of Florida (1997).

His expertise spans affirmative action, equity in education, information law, and social studies education. Purdy has published extensively on topics including presidential speeches at universities, UCLA's historical development, and state grant aid policies. Notable works include analyses of Gerald Ford's campus speeches (2024), UCLA's early institutional history (2016), and comparative studies of U.S. and European higher education financing (2010).

Purdy teaches in both the Education Undergraduate Program and the Educational Leadership Program. His work bridges legal frameworks, historical analysis, and contemporary policy debates to address challenges in equitable access to higher education.