Eli Pence is a sociologist, trans activist, and academic advisor at Cal Poly Humboldt.

Pence, who grew up in Branscomb, California, earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Anthropology from Mills College in 2005 and a Master’s Degree in Sociology from Cal Poly Humboldt in 2010. For the last 10 years he has worked as a lecturer at the university with emphasis on ethnic and women’s studies. He also serves as an academic advisor with Humboldt’s TRIO Student Support Services Program, helping low-income, first-generation students gain success in college and beyond.

Before joining the university, Pence was the Student Research Program Director at the California Center for Rural Policy (CCRP), where he created a research program for low-income and indigenous middle and high school students that combined community service, college readiness and self-efficacy.

When he’s not teaching, advising and grant writing at the college level, he volunteers as a steering committee member for the Eureka Bike Kitchen and, previously, for Food For People, the Humboldt County food bank. His personal interests include road cycling, hanging out with his dogs, and doing yard work.