Baur Professorship in sociology awarded to David N. Smith

LAWRENCE – David N. Smith is the 2011-12 E. Jackson Baur Professor in Sociology at the University of Kansas professor.

Smith teaches and conducts research in the areas of sociological theory, social psychology and political sociology. He has published widely on subjects ranging from charisma and authority to the 1994 genocide in Rwanda in journals such as Sociological Theory.

"I am very pleased that we can honor Professor Smith's long time commitment to KU sociology and to support his research program," said Bill Staples, professor and chair of the Department of Sociology. "This recognition is well-deserved."

Smith joined the KU in 1990 and has served as the associate chair of the sociology department since 2009. Smith received his doctorate in sociology from the University of Wisconsin.

"Our faculty put in a tremendous amount of effort. I am grateful to have opportunities like this award to recognize their dedication," said Danny J. Anderson, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Smith will hold the title for one year and will receive a one-course reduction in his teaching responsibilities and a $5,000 stipend to support his research.

As part of a faculty development initiative, the E. Jackson Baur Professorship of Sociology is awarded annually to a full professor in the sociology department who has demonstrated a commitment to KU and to excellence in teaching and research. The award may be used for travel and other costs associated with the advancement of the recipient's research.

Support for the professorship came from the estate of former KU sociology professor E. Jackson "Jack" Baur and his wife, Lillian Jacoby Baur. Jack Baur joined the faculty of KU in 1947, reaching the rank of full professor in 1959. He retired in 1987 and died in 2001, at the age of 87. His wife died in 1991. Baur's estate's plans to establish this professorship through KU Endowment took effect in 2007 after the death of his son, John C. Baur.

The fund is managed by KU Endowment, the independent, nonprofit organization serving as the official fundraising and fund-management organization for KU. Founded in 1891, KU Endowment was the first foundation of its kind at a U.S. public university.

KU's Department of Sociology is part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The College offers dozens of diverse majors in natural sciences and mathematics, social and behavioral sciences, humanities, international and interdisciplinary studies and the arts. More than 60 percent of KU students are enrolled in a major in the College, making it the largest academic unit on campus.