I am an associate professor of sociology at Wake Forest University where I have taught since January 2005. I grew up in Half Moon Bay, California (half an hour south of San Francisco), earned my bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of California at Berkeley, and my M.S. and Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Wisconsin at Madison.

I came to Wake Forest because its "teacher-scholar" ideal articulates closely with my own deepest values and interests. Wake Forest provides a perfect setting for me to pursue my vocation as a scholar, encouraging me to pursue my highest priorities with equal fervor: teaching undergraduates well and doing social science that matters.

I love teaching, especially core courses such as introduction to sociology and classical theory, and trying to find innovative ways of getting students involved in the learning process. My specialty courses focus on various aspects of post-WWII American religion. (Learn more about my teaching.)

My research of late has also focused on post-war American religion, particularly Roman Catholicism. I have recently completed two books in this area and one more is in the works. (Learn more about my research.)

Various forms of professional service occupy a good deal of my time. I am excited that in the fall of 2005 I assumed editorial responsibility for the professional journal Sociology of Religion: A Quarterly Review which is published by the Association for the Sociology of Religion. (Learn more about my service.)

Last but not least, I have been married to Megan Polzer since 1993, and together we have three children: Paul (1995), Hannah (1997), and Mark (2000). We live in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. (Learn more about my personal life.)