From Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Rienerth attended Ohio University as an undergraduate and Southern Illinois University for her graduate degrees. At ASU she taught a variety of courses at the undergraduate and graduate level, including new courses in Women, Crime and CJ and Sociology of Law. In addition, she developed and directed the departmental Internship Program. This program has helped graduates with employment opportunities and increased their understanding of how their degree applies to the real world. After teaching at Appalachian State for 40 years, she has continued her community volunteer work. Dr. Rienerth served on the Board of the Western Youth Network, an organization she helped found and serves on the Board of the Women's Fund of the Blue Ridge and the Watauga Humane Society. She has been a Guardian ad Litem for 30 years working with abused, neglected and dependent children. As a long term advisor for Sigma Kappa sorority, she has helped many young women navigate greek and academic life.
