Professor
Florida Atlantic University
LeaAnne DeRigne is a full professor at the Phyllis and Harvey Sandler School of Social Work at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). She earned her Ph.D. in 2006 and her Master's in Social Work (MSW) in 1999 from the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis, MO.
LeaAnne began her academic career as an Assistant Professor at FAU in 2009. She received tenure, was promoted to Associate Professor in 2015, and became a full Professor in 2021. Before her academic roles, she worked as a lobbyist and policy analyst in Washington, DC, and the Missouri State Capitol for five years after completing her MSW.
Her research expertise focuses on employment policy and health care policy, particularly analyzing how access to paid sick leave can improve access to health care services and enhance financial stability for working-class families. LeaAnne is deeply committed to various social justice issues, including living wage campaigns, access to employment benefits, and increasing gender equality.
She is passionate about teaching and aims to inspire her social work students to engage in social change throughout their careers. LeaAnne serves as the advisor for the student organization, Students of Social Work and organizes an annual trip to Tallahassee for a Student Legislative and Education Advocacy Day each year. She has received multiple teaching, mentoring, and service awards from the university. LeaAnne is an avid yoga student and birder in her free time.
Disclosure information not submitted.