Amy Leisenring

Dr. Amy Leisenring is the Associate Dean of Inclusive Student Success at the College of Graduate Studies, San José State University (SJSU). She joined SJSU in 2005 as a Professor of Sociology and served as Graduate Coordinator (2013–2017), Associate Chair (2015–2016), and Faculty Director for ACCESS (2016–2020). Her work bridges sociology of education and gender studies, focusing on systemic inequalities in higher education and K–12 systems.

• PhD in Sociology, University of Colorado (2004)
• MA in Sociology, New Mexico State University (1998)
• BA in Sociology, Miami University of Ohio (1994)

Dr. Leisenring's research explores how gender, race, and class intersect to shape educational experiences. Her early work examined criminal justice responses to domestic violence, including police discretion and mandatory arrest policies. Current projects focus on underrepresented minority students' struggles with employment, academic success, and systemic barriers.

Her publications span critical analyses of domestic violence policies (Symbolic Interaction, Qualitative Sociology) and education equity (Pacific Sociological Association presentations). Key themes include identity construction, social policy, and equity in education.

Scientific awards include the 2015 COSS RSCA Grant for community-based research on parental engagement in low-income schools. She collaborates with CommUniverCity and mentors students in qualitative research methods.

• Advocated for students' work-life-school balance through grants and community projects
• Integrated feminist theory into criminal justice and education research

Dr. Leisenring's lab work with CommUniverCity and the College of Social Sciences highlights her commitment to community-engaged scholarship. She emphasizes interpretive sociology to analyze systemic inequities.