Bates Sociology is very pleased to let you all know about some upcoming changes in our Department!

Michael Rocque is moving to the Dean of Faculty’s office where he will become Associate Dean of Faculty starting in July of 2025 for a 3 year term. We have hired a Visiting Associate Professor, Kelsey Kramer, PhD, as his replacement. Dr. Kramer comes to us from Penn State University where she has been an adjunct professor. She received her PhD from Sam Houston State University. Her research examines the courts and sentencing systems and she is the creator of fat criminology, a look at how body size influences criminal justice outcomes. Dr. Kramer will be teaching a variety of criminological and sociological courses at Bates. Welcome, Dr. Kramer!

In addition, Professor Marcelle Medford is taking a 1 year leave for an enhanced sabbatical. Her replacement for the year is Dr. Kayla Thomas. Dr. Thomas comes to us from Yale University where she studied under renowned sociologist Elijah Anderson. Dr. Thomas studies neighborhood dynamics in marginalized areas. Her dissertation examined the way community members handled transformations over time in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Dr. Thomas will be teaching a variety of courses in Africana and Sociology at Bates. Welcome Dr. Thomas!