Perri Gardner
Friday 2026-01-02
Perri is a Professor of Political Science in the Social Science Department at the College of Southern Idaho and has been part of the CSI community since 2012, after returning home from working in Washington, DC.
Her interest in politics began in high school when she attended ALA Girls State, an experience that sparked a lasting curiosity about political systems, especially American state legislatures. She earned her undergraduate degree from Boise State University and completed graduate school at the University of Nebraska, known for its unique unicameral legislature.
Before joining CSI, Perri worked in local and state elections, served as a research assistant in the Idaho Legislature, and worked in state focused public affairs in DC. Today, she teaches all political science courses at CSI, along with a section of GNED 101 centered on exploring collective action through play.
What she enjoys most about teaching at CSI is the people. She supports students by being responsive, relatable, and flexible, while still holding high expectations and genuinely caring about their success.
Outside the classroom, Perri serves as Faculty Senate President and enjoys playing and collecting board games themed around plants, animals, and art. A fun fact students might not guess is that she starts every day by listening to The Last Unicorn by America.
Her advice for new students is simple: join a club and engage with others. Learning is a shared experience.