How do we teach, learn, and work within institutions shaped by histories we are only beginning to fully confront? What happens when student activism forces higher education to reckon with the tension between its promise of opportunity and the realities of settler colonial structures that continue to shape who benefits?
Please join us for conversations that explore these questions as we read Leigh Patel’s powerful book together. Drawing on movements from Black Lives Matter to the Combahee River Collective, Patel invites us to examine how struggle and study are intertwined—and how acknowledging this relationship can help us imagine more just, equitable futures for our campuses and communities. To ensure a lively and intimate discussion experience for participants, space is limited to 15 participants. Each participant will receive a complimentary copy of the book.
What we’re reading: "No Study without Struggle: Confronting Settler Colonialism in Higher Education" by Leigh Patel
From scholar and activist Leigh Patel comes a piercing examination of how campus social justice movements illuminate the deeper tensions within higher education. Patel traces the roots of contemporary activism through movements like Black Lives Matter, the Black Panther Party, and the Combahee River Collective to reveal how struggle and study have always been intertwined. Drawing on original research and interviews, she shows how confronting the realities of settler colonialism is essential to reimagining what education can be—and who it can truly serve.
Book club meeting schedule
The book club will meet remotely over the lunch hour 12:00PM - 1:00PM every two weeks throughout the winter term, on January 16, Jan 30, Feb 13, and Feb 27. Once you have registered, you will receive a Google calendar invite from the facilitator for all meetings with the Zoom link.
Enjoy your complementary book!
Stop by the Office of Academic Innovation before January 16, 2026 to get your own copy of the book! Note: OAI’s is temporary locationed in Vanport, 1810 SW 5th Ave suite 560, Portland, OR 97201.
Meet your facilitator!
Kendra Woodstead
Kendra Woodstead is a Teaching and Pedagogical Support Specialist in the Office of Academic Innovation at PSU. She is most passionate about motivation theory, communication, adult education, trauma-informed pedagogy, and accessible education. She believes strongly in the opportunities for higher education to empower and support students in their lives and learning experiences.
Who should attend
PSU faculty from any discipline. Advisors and staff are welcome. No prior AI expertise required—just curiosity and a commitment to inclusive teaching.
The Office of Academic Innovation is committed to making our events accessible to all Portland State University faculty and staff. If you require an accommodation or service to participate, please contact us at oai@pdx.edu.
Contact us with any questions!
If you need assistance getting into our event or have any questions, please contact the Office of Academic Innovation front desk at oai@pdx.edu.