Instructors
Melissa Knight, Instructor
(Psy.D., Alliant International University - In Progress; M.O.B., California School of Professional Psychology; B.A., Journalism/Public Relations, CSU-Fresno)
Professor Knight will complete in 2009 her doctorate of psychology in organizational development at Alliant International University. She is the owner of Knight Consulting, an organizational consulting, training and development company specializing in capacity building for nonprofit agencies, which she formed in 1991. A nationally-certified trainer (BoardSource and Achieve Global), specializing in diversity, strategic planning, communication and fund development. Her research, writing and field work with nonprofit organizations throughout the state and nation has focused on empowering groups that have been marginalized. The preponderance of her work in this area has improved the lives of women, children, people with disabilities, LGBTQQI communities, people of color and homeless persons and those living in poverty.
Contact Info: mknight@csufresno.edu
Elizabeth Swearingen, Instructor
(Ed.D, University of California, Davis & CSU, Fresno)
Professor Swearingen participated in a Joint Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership. She teaches a number of courses for Women’s Studies including: Critical Thinking Gender Issues, Diversity in the United States, and Representations of Women. Her research focuses on the intersection of the body as a raced, classed, and gendered text in ritual performances of religion, war, and history.
Contact Info: eswearingen@csufresno.edu
Curriculam Vitae
Enid Perez, Instructor
(B.A., University of California, Berkeley, and J.D., University of Michigan Law)
Enid Perez has a B.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of California, Berkeley. She has received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Michigan Law School. While attending law school, she also received a Graduate Certificate in Women’s Studies. She currently teaches WS 12: Critical Thinking Gender Issues.
Contact Info: enperez@csufresno.edu
Ruth Anna Austin, Instructor
(MS, Pittsburg State University)
Ruth Anna Austin has earned a Master's of Science degree in Social Science with an emphasis in Sociology. Her Bachelor's of Science is in Sociology with a minor in Recreation both from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, KS. Ms. Austin has been teaching general courses in Sociology for the State Center Community College District since the Fall of 2002 and for CSUF since the Fall of 2005 in 3 departments (Sociology, Women's Studies Program, and Chicano and Latin American Studies). Her prior work experience applied sociological praxis in both urban and rural social settings in academic and artistic expressions.
Contact Info: raustin@csufresno.edu