Catherine Irwin, Ph.D., is Chair and Professor of English at the University of La Verne, where she has served as a faculty member since 2006. A dedicated scholar and educator, Dr. Irwin brings a wealth of academic experience and interdisciplinary expertise to her teaching and research, including leadership as advisor and coordinator of the university’s Gender and Sexuality Studies minor.
Dr. Irwin has taught courses in a variety of disciplines, including writing, English, and Asian American studies, with a particular focus on contemporary American literature, ethnic women’s literature, and gender and sexuality studies. Her graduate research explored the intersections between contemporary American poetry and theatrical performance—particularly through dramatic monologues, performance art, and oral histories rooted in the experiences of historically marginalized communities.
Her current scholarly interests explore contemporary American poetry, 1970s liberation movements, and the intersections of race, ethnicity, and gender and sexuality studies. She is the author of Twice Orphaned: Voices from the Children’s Village of Manzanar, and her work has been featured in a range of anthologies and publications, including Contemporary Women’s Writing and Women’s Studies: An Interdisciplinary Journal.
Prior to her tenure at La Verne, Dr. Irwin taught at institutions across Southern California, including Scripps College, Loyola Marymount University, California State University, Fullerton, Pasadena City College, and the University of Southern California. A Los Angeles native and the daughter of Filipino immigrants, Dr. Irwin earned her B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley, and her M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Southern California.
As the first spouse at LMU, Dr. Irwin brings her passion for education, equity, and cultural inquiry to the campus community. She is committed to advancing inclusive dialogue and fostering a vibrant academic environment that champions diversity, creativity, and empowerment.