Kaitlin Pericak

Kaitlin Pericak, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Oklahoma, affiliated with the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education. She specializes in the Adult and Higher Education program and the Intercollegiate Athletic Administration (IAA) concentration. Previously, she served as an Assistant Professor of Sociology and Women's Lacrosse Assistant Coach at North Carolina Wesleyan University. Dr. Pericak holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Miami, with concentrations in race/ethnicity, immigration studies, and medical sociology, alongside a B.A. and M.A. in Sociology from American University.

Her research examines health, gender, race/ethnic relations, and migration through the lens of sports, utilizing critical theory and mixed-methods approaches. Notable areas of focus include NCAA athlete exploitation, international athlete recruitment, and systemic barriers in sports access. She has published extensively on topics such as athlete commodification, syndemics in collegiate sports during pandemics, and gendered regulation in sports.

Dr. Pericak's academic journey includes coaching lacrosse at multiple levels and participating in NCAA Division I athletics during her undergraduate studies. Her work bridges sociology, education, and sports management, advocating for equity and ethical practices in intercollegiate athletics.