University of Tennessee
Sociology Newsletter
Movement, Winter 2026
Cultivating the Power of Sociology
Justice Studies Graduate Certificate Expands Horizons
Community-based research and applied scholarship come together in a new interdisciplinary program for students focused on justice, inequality, and social change.
UT Wins Funding for Green Jobs Initiative
With support from a nonprofit to help meet the growing demand for workers in the green economy, UT will serve as a hub connecting workers, employers, education programs, and community-based partners in Knox, Anderson, and Campbell counties.
Alumna’s Gift Creates New Graduate Fellowship
We are proud to extend a special thanks to alumna Wanda Rushing (PhD ‘98) for her extraordinary generosity in establishing the Rushing Fellows Program. This will provide critical support for students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees, ensuring they have the resources, mentorship, and encouragement to conduct transformative research.
Message from the Department Head
Welcome! The Department of Sociology has had a renewing and deliberative year of department growth and dedication. This academic fall and spring we welcome two new faculty members, Assistant Professor Aryana Soliz and Associate Professor Jennifer Sims, who bring with them great knowledge, energy, and craft…
Center for Social Theory Builds Bridges
The center fosters collaboration and innovation among faculty and graduate students across disciplines, advancing both theory and the application of insights to social, political, and cultural issues.
Interdisciplinary Research
The center’s interdisciplinary reach actively engages faculty and graduate students from multiple departments including Sociology, English, Philosophy, History, Anthropology, Political Science, and Geography.
Exceptional Programming
The center’s programming is built around several core themes including modernity and American society; power and governance; film, literature, and media; technology and society; and universities and higher education.
Student Spotlights
Howard Finds Passion for Sociology and Her Career
Pursuing interests in the classroom, gaining experience outside, and having supportive faculty help students prepare for careers that make a difference.
Sustainability, Inclusion, EVs, and Unions
Graduate student Courtney Farley’s research is bringing an interdisciplinary perspective to studies encompassing sustainability and technological change.
From Knoxville’s Elite to International Relations
Cameron Graham’s dissertation is examining the rise of covert, unconventional warfare among leading world powers.
Graduate Student Achievements
Graduate students in the Department of Sociology received various awards including recognition for Excellence in Teaching and Excellence in Service.
Research on Policing Earns ASC Award
Diego Taboada (PhD ’25) combined his knowledge of sociology and geography to show the link between urban development and arrests in his hometown.
Graduate Degrees Awarded
12 students in the Department of Sociology were awarded graduate degrees including both master’s and doctorate degrees.
Faculty Updates
Meet Our New Faculty
Eight new members of the Department of Sociology are bringing their varied expertise and new research to UT.
Kendrick Examines COVID Disruptions to Dating
With research into courtship and new courses on sexualities and gender, Assistant Professor Sam Kendrick offers insights into culture.
Follow Our Faculty Members’ Achievements
See what they are publishing, where they are leading, and the many ways they are making an impact and being recognized.
Support the Department of Sociology
Donations from our alumni and friends ensure we continue to be a university on the rise. You can support the Department of Sociology with a gift.
