Catch up on the latest academic, research, and outreach news from the Department of Sociology at Washington State University. Click on a headline to read an individual story or follow the links at the bottom to see all of our news and information.
Visit the Sociology Newsletter Archive.
Department News & Updates
Publications, awards, and other accomplishments for Fall 2025
Congratulations to our Sociology faculty and graduate students.
Alumni Spotlight: WSU scholarly assistant professor Kristin Cutler
In this Alumni Spotlight, we catch up with Assistant Scholarly Professor Kristin Cutler, who graduated with her PhD from WSU in 2013. Kristin is the current director of the online global program.
Introducing the new graduate student cohort!
This fall, our department welcomed four graduate students to the 2025-26 cohort. Below, we learn a little bit about each of them
Meet our new faculty member: Anne Johnson
At the start of the fall semester, we caught up with Anne Johnson, a newly hired faculty member in the Department of Sociology at the WSU-Vancouver campus.
More News & Stories About Sociology
Sociology’s Hafiz wins CAS 3MT Qualifier
Six competitors vied to represent the College of Arts and Sciences in the 3 Minute Thesis qualifier round on March 5th in Goertzen Hall.
EPA criminal sanctions align with area’s wealth, not pollution
When the federal government brings its toughest environmental enforcement actions against polluters, they tend to be in communities of greater wealth, not the most polluted places.
Ol’ Crimson flies in prime time
Washington State University spirit made a national TV appearance Sunday night when Ol’ Crimson was spotted waving prominently during the Seattle Seahawks’ prime-time game.
Former US Census Bureau director to headline WSU survey research center’s 55th anniversary
The Social and Economic Sciences Research Center (SESRC) at Washington State University will mark its 55th anniversary on Sept. 24 with a keynote address from Robert L. Santos, former director of the U.S. Census Bureau.
WSU students selected for Youth Villages’ summer internship program
Two Washington State University College of Arts and Sciences students have been chosen as summer interns to work for Youth Villages, a national nonprofit that helps young adults with behavioral and emotional challenges and their families live successfully.
WSU’s Douglas Call chosen president-elect for science academy board
Justin Denney, William Julius Wilson Distinguished Professor, Department of Sociology, and Travis Ridout,
Claudius O. Johnson and Mary W. Johnson Distinguished Professor, professor and director of the School of Politics, Philosophy and Public Affairs, are new inductees for the Washington State Academy of Sciences.
WSU researchers investigate rising rural jail rates in Washington
A team of Washington State University researchers is exploring a critical question in the state’s legal system: Why are rates of incarceration rising in rural county jails, while dropping in urban ones?
Sociology professor leads investigation into new financial products for homeowners
At the request of the Washington State Legislature, sociologist Mariana Amorim is leading an investigation into how new financial contracts could help homeowners access equity in their home.