Dr. Nicole DeLoatch is the Department of Sociology's new Director of Undergraduate Studies. She received her PhD in Sociology from the University of Maryland in 2020, and brings an incredible depth of knowledge about the department and its students. 

"I am truly honored to become the Department of Sociology’s Director of Undergraduate Studies," DeLoatch notes. "Our department brings a tradition of excellence to undergraduate education and I am excited to contribute to this tradition. When undergraduates join our program, they align themselves with a strong community of scholars. Therefore, it is with great enthusiasm that I will continue to develop our rigorous curriculum with a focus on extracurricular opportunities for students to engage in experiential learning, internships, and research opportunities."

DeLoatch's dissertation focused on the sociodemographic determinants of chronic mental and physical health conditions for Hurricane Katrina survivors. Her general areas of expertise are in Critical Race Theory, Intersectionality, Social Psychology, Health and Illness, and Education. DeLoatch teaches courses on Contemporary Social Problems, Differences in Educational Outcomes, Human Societies, and the Intersectionality of Health and Illness.

In addition to teaching in the department, DeLoatch is responsible for administering the undergraduate office, leading efforts to enhance and innovate undergraduate teaching, and working with other faculty to shape the undergraduate curriculum in preparation for future growth opportunities.