Faculty
Dr. Amy Manning Kirk
Throughout high school and my early years in college, I wanted to become a journalist. However, after taking my first college journalism course, I realized it was not for me. That same semester, I took Introduction to Sociology. I remember the class was huge, but I was hooked anyway. The theoretical perspectives made sense to me. I started seeing my life through these perspectives.
After majoring in sociology at Texas A&M University, I went on to do a Masters and Ph.D. in Sociology at Louisiana State University. While in the Ph.D. program, I got married, and became interested in the Marriage and Family specialization. My initial and continued interest revolves around the intersection of politics, religion and the family.
My current research focuses on the successes and failures of the 10-year old Covenant Marriage Act in Louisiana. I am also involved in research with colleagues from Sam Houston’s Educational and Leadership Counseling Program, which includes examining college students’ subjective notions of relationship commitment.
I came to Sam Houston in the Fall of 2006. I currently teach Introduction to Ethnic Studies, Principles of Sociology, and Marriage and the Family.
I now have been married almost eight years, and have three children.