Simmons College

Leanne Doherty is an assistant professor of American Politics in the Department of Political Science and International Relations. After receiving a BA in Government from Clark University, she received her Ph.D. from Northeastern University in 2004 with a concentration in public policy.

Professor Doherty's research focuses on the role that athletics play in political leadership. It explores the idea of athletes as elites in American society and how the disparity between male and female athletes in turn decreases women's status in the social eligibility pool that which is seen as a key factor in successful achievement of political office. Her latest paper, Pinned to the Mat: Title IX and the Bush Administration focuses on the recent attacks on Title IX by the Bush Administration and the effect that any changes to Title IX may have on women and leadership positions. She is now working on a new book that examines campaign biographies and the use of athletic experiences to describe leadership qualities for federal legislators. Dr. Doherty's teaching is centered around the American political system, with a concentration on gender and politics, campaigns and elections, and public policy. She is the faculty coordinator of the newly created Barbara Lee Fellows program which matches Simmons students with Massachusetts legislators and local advocacy groups. Prof. Doherty is also the pre law advisor for both undergraduates and alumni hoping to attend law school.