The discipline of Sociology provides me with a strong thread of identity and purpose across distinct phases of my career in higher education.  I studied graduate sociology at Northwestern University during the 1960s social movements such as anti-war, civil rights, and Black Power.

I began my faculty career in 1970 at the University of California, Los Angeles.  After two years, I returned to alma mater, Northwestern University.  For 15 years I taught the sociology of race, class, power, urban institutions, education, and social change.

In 1987, I left research universities and moved into academic leadership positions at small liberal arts colleges.  I've served as the chief academic officer at Manchester College in Indiana, Albright College in Pennsylvania, and until recently, the University of North Carolina at Asheville.  Serving as Academic Dean in liberal arts colleges has enhanced my understanding of faculty, the importance of the liberal arts mission and excellence in educating undergraduates.

Returning to full-time faculty status and teaching, I resume teaching about U.S. society, structural inequalities and social change.

Sharon Pitts, my wife of 32 years, is an early childhood professional who teaches kindergarten at Vance Elementary in the Asheville City School system.  We have two adult sons, Hassan and Jamil.