Jennifer C Lena

Jennifer C. Lena is an Associate Professor of Arts Administration at Teachers College, Columbia University, with a courtesy appointment in Sociology. She also serves as Co-Editor of the Culture and Economic Life book series (Stanford University Press). Her research focuses on cultural sociology, music genres, nonprofit management, and arts leadership. Lena holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from Columbia University (2003) and a B.A. in Sociology/Anthropology and English from Colgate University (1996).

• Core Expertise: Arts Leadership, Cultural Policy, Music Sociology
• Professional Roles: Visiting Professor at Sciences Po (2022), Fellow at Digital Futures Institute (2022)

Her research interests span genre formation, authenticity in music communities, and organizational dynamics in the arts. Recent projects include studies on polyoccupationalism in postindustrial work and the sociological impacts of taxation on cultural production. Lena’s work bridges theoretical contributions with applied research, including studies on arts alumni careers and cultural engagement with global Muslim communities.

Awards & Recognition

• 2017 Davis Conference Best Paper Award
• Grammy Nomination (2011)
• Choice Outstanding Academic Title (2012)

Her teaching spans graduate courses at Teachers College and undergraduate programs at Barnard and Vanderbilt, covering topics like cultural policy, arts management, and the sociology of culture. Current initiatives include the *Junk Drawers* project (2025 target) and *Ticket to Divide: Admissions Taxes and Artistic Diversity* (2026).

Lena has advised over 50 research reports and collaborated with institutions like the Strategic National Arts Alumni Project (SNAAP) and the American Sociological Association.