Kate Ballantyne

Dr Kate Ballantyne is a Senior Lecturer in American History at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), within the School of Humanities and Social Science. She has previously held academic positions at the University of Oxford, University of Edinburgh, University of Birmingham, and Keele University, demonstrating a strong national academic trajectory in UK higher education.

Her educational background includes a PhD and MPhil in History from the University of Cambridge and a BA in History with a minor in Southern Studies from the University of South Carolina. She holds Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), recognizing her teaching excellence.

Her research centers on pivotal themes in 20th-century U.S. history, including the Civil Rights Movement, student activism, free speech, the long Black freedom struggle, and southern history. She has a particular focus on the 1960s and 1970s, examining how student power and dissent shaped social change, especially in Tennessee and the broader U.S. South.

Her publications reflect a deep engagement with grassroots movements, religious activism, anti-war efforts, and educational justice. Her work spans monographs, peer-reviewed journal articles, book reviews, and encyclopedia contributions, showcasing both original research and critical scholarly engagement. The recent publication of her book Radical Volunteers (2024) marks a significant contribution to the field, and her current book project on free speech and student power continues this trajectory.

• Fellow of the Royal Historical Society
• Fellowship with the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)

Dr Ballantyne is actively involved in the academic community, serving as Secretary of the British Association for American Studies (BAAS) and as a member of the History UK Steering Committee. These roles indicate leadership and service within the discipline. There is no mention of external grant funding or student supervision in the provided texts, but her fellowships suggest competitive research support in the past.

She is affiliated with research networks related to American Studies and contributes to public scholarship through platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn. Her work aligns with Sustainable Development Goals for Quality Education and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, reflecting a commitment to social justice and historical understanding.