Sue Rankin completed a B.S. in physiology, health, and physical education at the
Montclair State Teachers College in 1978. At the
Pennsylvania State University (PSU), she earned a M.S. (1981) in physiology with a specialization in aging and a Ph.D. (1994) in higher education administration with a focus in organizational theory and social justice in higher education. Her master's thesis was titled,
A comparison of the use of Nautilus apparatus and Universal Gym Equipment for the development of strength and flexibility. Rankin's dissertation was titled,
The Perceptions of Heterosexual Faculty and Administrators Toward Gay Men and Lesbians. Her doctoral thesis advisor was . == Career ==