Linda Perkins

Linda Perkins is a University Professor and director of Applied Gender Studies at Claremont Graduate University. She holds an interdisciplinary appointment across the departments of Applied Gender Studies, Educational Studies, and History, reflecting her broad scholarly impact. Her work bridges historical analysis with contemporary issues in gender and racial equity in higher education.

Research Interests:

• History of African-American women’s higher education
• Education of African Americans in elite institutions
• Talent identification programs for African-American students
• Global gender issues in education
• Historical and philosophical foundations of American higher education
• Higher education and democracy

Her research consistently explores the intersection of race, gender, and class within academic institutions, particularly focusing on Black women's intellectual and institutional contributions.

The most recent publications show a strong trend in historical scholarship centered on Black women’s access to elite colleges, faculty representation at historically Black universities, and pioneering educational initiatives. Her work combines biographical, institutional, and social history methods, contributing significantly to the historiography of American education.

Professional Leadership:

• Vice President, Division F (History and Historiography), American Educational Research Association (AERA)
• Member, Executive Council of AERA
• Editorial Board, History of Education Quarterly
• Editorial Board, Review of African American Education
• National Planning Committee, 50th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education

She has organized national research conferences and taught specialized courses on Brown v. Board of Education, demonstrating leadership in public scholarship and civic engagement. Perkins has also hosted major academic events on civil rights legislation’s impact on Black higher education.

Labs and Research Initiatives:

As director of Applied Gender Studies at CGU, she leads an interdisciplinary research program focused on gender equity, historical analysis of educational access, and the role of women in academic and social advancement. This initiative supports collaborative research, graduate training, and public outreach on gender and racial justice in education.