Dr. Leanne Doherty is an experienced administrator committed to curricular innovation and inclusive excellence. A political scientist and policy scholar by training, her research focuses on the intersection of popular culture and politics, with a book on the role athletic participation can have on candidate success, numerous articles on sports, social media, and activism, as well as articles on political science pedagogy. During her over twenty years at Simmons, she has served in numerous positions, including director of the Honors program and Interim Dean of the former College of Arts and Sciences.
As Associate Provost for Academic and Faculty Affairs, Dr. Doherty works closely with the Provost and Vice Provost on the development and implementation of academic redesign. She provides strategic leadership on the academic issues and policies impacting on the ground and online faculty. Dr. Doherty collaborates closely with the Registrar, the Director of the Library, and with the Associate Provost for Curriculum, Assessment, and Accreditation, the College Deans, and the academic unit heads regarding university-wide policies and procedures. She also oversees the processes related to faculty recruitment, hiring, development, and retention.
Dr. Doherty works with members of the University Strategy Team to ensure alignment of the academic vision with the University’s strategic plan and mission. She works with the Center for Faculty Excellence to support faculty development in teaching, scholarly work, and service, and with the Office of Sponsored Programs to support faculty research and funding opportunities. Dr. Doherty is a primary liaison between the Provost’s Office and the Faculty Senate. She also supports the development and implementation of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging efforts from the Provost’s Office and the Center for Faculty Excellence.
Education
- B.A. - Clark University
- Ph.D. - Northeastern University
Area of Expertise
- Public Policy
- Popular Culture, Sports, and Politics
- Gender and Politics
What I Teach
- American Public Policy
- Politics of American Pop Culture
- Intersectionality and Public Policy
- Parties and Elections
- Female Political Leadership in Boston
Leanne Doherty in the News
Simmons Faculty Reflect on the Upcoming Presidential Election
Faculty from the Department of Politics and Policy at Simmons recently presented a virtual panel discussion on the upcoming presidential election.
Shout-outs from Students and Alums
Madison Poshkus ’22, ’23MPP Completes Barbara Lee Foundation Fellowship
During her senior year as a Political Science major at Simmons, Madison Poshkus '21 '23MPP worked as an intern at the Massachusetts State House as part of Simmons' Barbara Lee Fellowship program. Sponsored by the Barbara Lee Foundation, the Fellowship...
Taking Initiative: Gina Patterson '06 on Giving and Leadership at Boston Medical Center
As Boston Opportunity System (BOS) Collaborative Director at the Boston Medical Center, Patterson invests in local communities by bolstering the work of existing non-profits. Learn more about her work and how Simmons brought out the leader within.
Combating Stereotypes of Black Women with Halley Jeremie '21
Halley Jeremie '21 was selected to present at the 2021 Undergraduate Symposium! Learn more about her project, "The Futility of Respectability Politics in Combating Stereotypes of Black Women."