Faculty
Dr. Mary Ann Davis
I became interested in Sociology while in high school because my mother was a social worker, working in child welfare in a rural poverty area. Through her, I became involved in service activities (getting Christmas gifts and clothing for foster children, tutoring, and working with fundraising activities). When I entered school, I knew that I wanted to study Sociology to either teach or become a social worker. I worked as a clinical and medical social worker prior to receiving my Ph.D. in Sociology from Texas A&M University, College Station, TX.
During my professional career I have been interested both in the clinical and theoretical aspects of sociology. My research interests are in the area of social demographic analyses. Current projects are studying gendered morbidity and mortality in caretakers of older persons with dementia. I also explore family and life course issues, which intersect with policies including adoptions and foster care issues.
I am currently involved in four service projects including:
- Working with a Middle Eastern Group to develop a minor in Middle East Studies
- Participating as a member of the Sociology Scholarship committee
- Co-sponsoring the SHSU Sociology Club whose members participate in community service activities such as a fundraiser for the SAFE house and a project to build a with the Homesteaders organization.
- Hosting a brown bag luncheon, a vehicle for faculty and graduate students to share research through monthly presentations.