The Faculty

Dr. Allen Fisher, Professor and Chair
B.A., Spring Arbor College
M.S., Ph.D., Purdue University

Dr. Fisher's special teaching interests are the sociology of the family, the sociology of religion, gerontology (the study of the elderly), and poverty in the United States. His most recent published research is on adoption.

Dr. William Flanagan, Professor
B.A., M.A., Ph.D., University of Connecticut

Dr. Flanagan has written two books in urban sociology, his main area of interest, and has published work on urbanization and migration patterns in Africa. His most recent book is about social change in Ireland. He teaches the Urban Sociology, Social Change, and Social Conflict courses and a course in Cultural Anthropology.

Dr. Lisa A. Barnett, Associate Professor
B.S.J., Northwestern University
M.A., Ph.D., Washington State University

Dr. Barnett's primary interest is in the role that culture plays in establishing and perpetuating social inequality, and she has published work in this area. Her other areas of interest include deviance/social control, popular culture, stratification, social psychology, and the functions of education in society. She teaches the department's courses in research methods, deviant behavior, and small groups.