Julia E Curry

Dr. Julia E. Curry is a Full Professor in the Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies (formerly Mexican American Studies) at San José State University's College of Social Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Texas at Austin (1988), M.A. in Sociology from UT Austin (1986), and B.A. in Sociology from UC Santa Barbara (1980). With over 25 years at SJSU, she serves in multiple leadership roles including CSU Statewide Senator and Executive Committee member.

Her research focuses on:

• Immigration policies and transnational families
• Educational experiences of language minority students
• Chicana feminist methodologies and testimonio traditions
• Racial/sexual stratification in academic institutions

Her publications demonstrate consistent focus on immigrant experiences, educational equity, and decolonial research methods spanning sociology, education policy, and ethnic studies.

Awards and honors include:

• Wang Family Faculty Excellence Award for Service (2019)
• SJSU Distinguished Service Professor (2013-2014)

As faculty advisor, she mentors student organizations including:

• Student Advocates for Higher Education (SAHE)
• Xicana/o/x Graduate Council (XGC)
• Grupo Folklórico Luna y Sol

She secured significant grants including $150,000 from Ford Foundation (2003-2006) and multiple IME-BECAS awards totaling over $100,000 for undocumented student scholarships.

She co-founded the UndocuSpartan Student Resource Center and serves as Scholarship Coordinator for the Chicano/Latino Faculty and Staff Association, developing support systems for marginalized student populations.