Rabble Rouser, PhD, is a space for critical thought, unapologetic inquiry, and clear-eyed analysis of intellectual power, educational culture, and contemporary academic discourse. It’s written by a scholar‑disruptor, someone who has served in K-12 education, higher education, and the nonprofit world for a combined 25+ years. It’s written by someone who believes ideas should circulate beyond closed-door conversations, anonymous HR complaints, and executive board rooms. And most importantly, it’s written by someone who thinks that intellectual curiosity and an academic backbone should work in synchronicity.

This blog sits at the intersection of academic narrative, research, and public discourse. Some posts draw directly from research in educational leadership, current headlines, and the challenges of broken systems in academia. Others include personal essays, cultural critiques, and reflections on life within (and sometimes outside) institutions of higher education.

The name Rabble Rouser is intentional. It signals a commitment to questioning taken-for-granted norms, amplifying silenced perspectives, and resisting the polite niceties that often surround injustice—particularly in higher education. It signals that courage and integrity can often be lacking inside the precious and protected walls of the academy.

If you’re a student, faculty member, department head, educator, organizer, parent, or simply someone who likes their essays thoughtful, sharp, witty, and underdog-centered (and with a healthy dose of questioning and a few choice words), you’re in the right place.

What you’ll find here:

• Essays on higher education, leadership, and institutional power

• Reflections on disruptors, civil discourse, and social responsibility

• Cultural commentary with an academic backbone

• Writing that values clarity, evidence, and moral courage

• Suggestions for how to address challenges in higher education

Rabble Rouser, PhD, is not about hot takes, mic drops, or clickbait for their own sake. It’s about asking better questions—and inviting others to do the same with the courage to know how. Thank you for joining me. xxoo, RR