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News From Dept. of Sociology/Anthropology/
Criminology
Message from chair Don Holly
Friends and alumni,
It’s been a year of transition in the department. Professor and chair Vernon Woodley and instructor Asha Dixon-Woodley, who had been at EIU since 2011, left the University last summer. We also lost our long-time office manager Melissa Carr when she took a new position in the Honors College.
I assumed the chair position in December. I have been a professor of Anthropology at EIU since the fall of 2005. For those alumni that predate me, I was hired to replace Dr. Joanne Magalis when she retired. I teach Introduction to Anthropology, Human Evolution, Native North American Cultures, World Archaeology, and Hunters and Gatherers, and I recently started offering a course entitled the Anthropology of Violence and Warfare. I also regularly conduct archaeological fieldwork on the island of Newfoundland, Canada.
Don Holly conducting archaeological research on the island of Newfoundland, Canada.
New Office Manager
We have a new office manager. Candice Chapman is originally from Golden, Colo., and now lives in Casey. Before coming to us in February, Candice worked as a county clerk and for a healthcare provider assisting families with DCFS—work that I imagine resonates with many of our alumni who have careers in family services.
Faculty News
We recently completed a search for a tenure-track position in sociology, and I have happy to announce that Dr. Wade Smith with be joining us this fall as an assistant professor. Professor Smith has been an instructor at EIU since 2015, and commonly teaches Introductory Sociology, Race and Ethnic Relations, and Social Stratification. He has also taught Sociology of Sport and Military Sociology.
Wohlstein remembered
On a somber note, we lost Emeritus Professor Ron Wohlstein last year. Professor Wohlstein taught at EIU for 35 years, from 1970 to 2005. His area of research expertise and his teaching focused on collective behavior and social movements. He taught a popular section of Introductory Sociology. He is remembered for his kindness, generosity, and inspired teaching. He will be missed.
Alumni News
The newly-appointed director of the Secret Service is an EIU Sociology graduate. Kimberly Cheatle '92 served in the Secret Service for nearly 30 years after graduating from EIU and was the first woman to hold the position of assistant director, and now director, of the Service. Prior to her appointment, Cheatle was senior director of Global security for Pepsi Co.
Student News
EIU hosted the Illinois Sociological Association meetings this past November, thanks to hard work of Professor Wade Smith, who is currently the ISA’s president. EIU was well represented at the meeting with 11 of our students delivering presentations (sociology major Lindsey Anderson pictured above), and a special "author presents" session at which Professor Mari Kita presented primary findings from her forthcoming book. In total, 19 professors and students from EIU participated at the ISA conference. We were proud to host students and faculty from across the state, and we will be doing so again this coming November.
We need your help!
Alumni might remember the small computer lab that was located on the second floor of Blair Hall before the fire in 2004 or the larger one on the third floor after the remodel. The computer lab primarily served students enrolled in our Statistics class. When not in use for Statistics, students used the lab to write and print papers, register for classes, and check email. Times have changed. Most students have their own computers, and if they don’t, they can check a laptop out at the library. So our department is reimagining that space as a student lounge and learning center. We would like to purchase comfortable seating and tables so that students can gather there between classes to study, work together on group projects, and to chat with their cohort. After COVID, especially, we know how important these connections are to student success and retention. If you have a special gift in mind, please contact me directly at dhholly@eiu.edu.
