Biography

Perri Leviss joined the Political Science Department at URI in Fall 2021 after receiving her doctorate and teaching at UMass Boston. Professor Leviss studies how positive youth development, civic engagement, and engaged research can improve public services and build community. Professor Leviss’ professional career includes serving as the Assistant Commissioner for Policy and Planning at the New York City Department of Health, a strategic and financial consultant to Federally Qualified Health Centers and health departments across the US, the Executive Director of RI Campus Compact leading Rhode Island’s VISTA/AmeriCorps programs, and serving on the boards of youth leadership organizations and Jewish philanthropies.

Professor Leviss teaches undergraduate courses on American Politics, Civic/Community Engagement, and Political Communication. She teaches a wide range of graduate courses on Public Administration and Public Policy and serves as the Assistant Director of the M.P.A. program.