Stuart L. Shafer

Professor of Sociology
Johnson County Community College
sshafer@jccc.net

Background

Back when I was a grad student I wasn't sure whether I would ever be considered a sociologist or not, let alone a "Professor of Sociology." Well, here I am, and now that I know what those designations mean, I don't mind using them at all. While some would question the validity of the title, "Professor," at a community college , we have arrived at that title only recently. We used to be called "Instructors," informally " teachers ;" which brings to mind an image of one whose role is restricted to teaching, with little reference to content or subject matter. On the other hand, a professor is a scholar, one who is not only a master of knowledge in a subject area but professes that knowledge to others. 

I don't mind calling myself "farmer," either. When I'm not working here, I'm usually working at home on my small family farm , which is part of a Community Supported Agriculture cooperative called Rolling Prairie Farmers Alliance.

Education

I am well aware that "All But Dissertation" is not a terminal degree! I have many of the usual excuses, but the fact is that that damn dissertation just won't write itself! For my complete Vita, click here.

A.B.D. 1988 University of California, San Diego
M.A 1985 University of Kansas
B.A 1978 Western Michigan University