Barbara H. Vann received her Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Arizona in 1987.
At Loyola, she was involved in the creation of the Gender Studies minor, in diversity issues, in service-learning, and in the Messina program. Her teaching and research interests focused on the intersection of race, class, gender, sexuality, and disability. During her most recent sabbatical she completed interviews with a sample of Czechs about their memories of the 1989 fall of communism (the “velvet revolution”) and is currently writing about her findings. She directed Loyola's summer study abroad program in Prague (learn about applying to study abroad in Prague). In past years she taught at the Maryland Correctional Institute for Women. At Loyola, she was a member of OUTLoyola, the faculty/staff/administrator GLBTA organization.
Dr. Vann's publications include Sociology in Everyday Life and more recently, articles based on her research in the Czech Republic.
As the recipient of a Fulbright Fellowship for her 2013-14 sabbatical, Dr. Vann was invited to join the faculty of the Institute of Sociological Studies at Charles University in Prague. During her stay in Europe she presented her research on Czech memories of 1989 at several European conferences.