Dr. Earl Smith
I am a graduate of the State University of New York (SUNY) and the University of Connecticut (UCONN).
I am currently the Rubin Distinguished Professor of American Ethnic Studies, Director of American Ethnic Studies and Professor of Sociology in the Department of Sociology at Wake Forest University (WFU). My official relationship with Wake Forest University started in August of 1996.
Previous to my appointment at WFU I was Professor & Chairman, Department of Sociology at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) (Tacoma, Washington) and for three years Dean, Division of Social Sciences at PLU. I arrived at PLU after 15 years at Washington State University (Pullman, Washington) where I was Assistant Professor, to Associate Professor to Professor of Comparative American Cultures and Sociology. I was also Department Chairman of Comparative American Cultures for four years and was a member of the Graduate Faculty in Sociology.
At Washington State University I was a member of a team of scholars who pioneered a research effort to look at issues of "faculty stress." We were funded by the Kellogg foundation.
One of the publications from that effort is: (1995 ) “The Multiple Sources of Workplace Stress Among Land-Grant University Faculty.” Research in Higher Education, 36:261-282 (with John Anderson and Nicholas Lovrich)
I claim as my areas of expertise, the following:
Urban Sociology, Criminology, Race & Ethnic Relations, Family, and Sociology of Sport.
Over the years I have taught courses in all of the above areas (and have published in all of these areas) and continue to do so today. For over a decade I have been able to publish at least one research article every year. I have several books published and will have another book on “Post-Prison Release” publishing in 2010 and a book on “Family Violence” to be published in 2011.
On every campus I have been employed I have been active with campus governance including but not limited to: student organizations, faculty senates, and take pride in being able to work with a lot of different people: students, faculty, staff and administrators.
I have explicit work habits; I work early in the day, every day, and try to close out my workday by 4 PM.
I have several hobbies: e.g., I am an avid stamp collector; I enjoy bird watching and engage daily in non-sociology reading. I walk approximately 5 miles every day.
I have been married for over 33 years (Carol, deceased); I have two sons: (Edward, Medical Doctor and Daniel – a Professional Chef).
Please see the publications page for information about my recent publications.