Amanda Pullum

Amanda Pullum is an Associate Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Social Sciences and Global Studies. Her work focuses on grassroots social movements, strategic collaboration among activists, and the intersection of labor unions, gender, and political mobilization. She has conducted research on rural school closures, same-sex marriage movements, the Tea Party, and K-12 teacher mobilizations. Pullum is also an experienced writing instructor, teaching both first-year and advanced writing courses. She currently serves as faculty advisor and editor of Culture, Society, and Praxis, an undergraduate open-access journal.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Sociology, University of California, Irvine (2008–2015)
• M.A. in Sociology, University of California, Irvine (2008–2010)
• M.S. in Sociology, Virginia Tech (2005–2007)
• B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies, Virginia Tech (2001–2005)

Her research explores how activists craft strategies to achieve demands and navigate alliances with other organizations. Key themes include coalition-building, strategic decision-making, and the role of music in social activism. Pullum has been awarded grants such as the National Science Foundation’s Collective Bargaining project and fellowships including the UC’s Eugene Cota-Robles Fellowship.

Grants & Awards:

• President’s Dissertation Year Fellowship (University of California, 2013–2014)
• Eugene Cota-Robles Fellowship (University of California, 2008–2013)

Her editorial work at Culture, Society, and Praxis supports undergraduate research in social sciences. She has advised no formal students listed but contributes extensively to academic mentorship through her editorial and teaching roles.