Kean University

New Sociology & Social Justice
Program Inspires Students
More than a dozen students embarked on an academic
journey in the Master of Arts in sociology and
social justice program this fall. Comprised of students
who represent a wide diversity of social backgrounds and
academic disciplines, as well as life and work experiences,
the inaugural class is the foundation for the program’s future.
“Our students demonstrate unusual intellectual
sophistication, passion for creating justice and successful
work in a rigorous academic environment,” said Dr. José
Sánchez, program coordinator and chair of the Department
of Sociology and Anthropology.
In November, the inaugural class was honored in a reception
in the CAS Gallery. Among the guests were Cornell
Brooks, executive director of the New Jersey Institute for
Social Justice in Newark, N.J., and Robert Stack, founder,
president and chief executive officer of Community Options,
a nationally based non-profit organization providing
housing, support services and advocacy assistance to help
empower people with differing abilities.
Special guests Cornell Brooks (second from left) and Robert Stack (right) with
the M.A. in sociology and social justice program’s inaugural class.
“I am honored to be part of a program that strives to promote change and
achieve social justice by confronting challenges the world continues to face.”
- Shareen Davenport
“We’re constantly challenged to think differently about various life experiences
and interactions,” said Diane Brown, a student in the program. “The
students and professors have created an atmosphere that fosters frank and
honest discussion and often debate.”
Unique in the state and region, the 36-credit program is grounded on the
traditional core areas of sociology with a direct link to the academic focus of
social justice. “There is a lot of work to be done in the sociology and social
justice arena,” said Christina Vazquez, now in her second semester. “This
program is preparing us to excel in the field and to make a difference.”
The program’s curriculum integrates theory and practice offering opportunities
to explore the boundaries of the shared intellectual and applied interests
in these fields. The program aims to inspire students with principles of
egalitarianism and equity in preparation for positions in research, teaching,
public service and business in both private and non-profit sectors.
(l-r) Dr. Carol Williams, chair of the Department of Social
Work, Dr. José Sánchez, program coordinator and chair
of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Dr.
Maureen Himchak, assistant professor in the Department
of Social Work, and Dr. Jack Kamerman, professor in the
Department of Sociology and Anthropology.
KEANFOCUS • Vo l u m e 1, Issue 9 Page 5