Director of Ethnic Studies appointed

April 29, 1996

Earl Smith, Dean of Social Sciences at Pacific Lutheran University, will head Wake Forest University’s new American ethnic studies program beginning in fall 1996.

The distinguished sociology professor has been named Director and Rubin Professor of American Ethnic Studies.

Smith is the author of books on topics including women and minorities in American professions, occupational stress and school choice. Before becoming a dean in 1994, he taught sociology and chaired the sociology department at Pacific Lutheran.

From 1988-92, he chaired the department of comparative American cultures at Washington State University. A native of New York City, Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the State University of New York at Stony Brook and a master’s degree in sociology and doctorate in anthropology from the University of Connecticut.

He has published numerous articles in academic journals on race and politics, victimization, African-American women in education, religious participation among African-Americans, race and health issues, racism in schools, the African press, social stereotypes, affirmative action and minorities in sports.