Valerie Lehr, Ph. D.

I am a professor of Government and Gender Studies. I received my Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1990. Since that time, my research has been focused on exploring the intersection of political theory, feminist theory, gay/lesbian/queer theory, and political activism. These interests come together in my book, Queer Family Values: Debunking the Myth of the Nuclear Family, published by Temple University Press in 1999. My more recent scholarship is focused on the importance of play for fostering democratic politics. 

As a professor, I have taught courses focused on gender and politics in the U.S., the family and politics in the U.S., gay and lesbian politics, welfare policy in the U.S., feminist political theory, and gender and science, and business ethics. I have taught in the First Year Program in London, directed the New York City Program, and have regularly taught summer courses in Ireland. 

I am also a Commissioner on the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.