Jai Poong Ryu

Dr. Jai Poong Ryu is a Professor in the Department of Sociology at Loyola University Chicago, where he has taught since 1976 and served as department chairman (1976–82, 1986–89). His research spans sociological theory, demography, mass communication, race/ethnic relations, and urban sociology.

• Bachelor of Arts in Law, College of Law, Seoul National University (1964)
• Master of Arts in Sociology, University of Minnesota (1968)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology, University of Minnesota (1972)

Dr. Ryu’s work focuses on urban racial segregation, demographic patterns, and media influences on society. His 1983 book, Residential Segregation of Blacks in Metropolitan America, remains a seminal contribution to urban sociology. He has also published over 15 scholarly articles and 30+ public essays.

Among his honors, Dr. Ryu received Loyola’s first Fulbright-Hays Award in 1982, enabling him to teach at Seoul National University. He has also been recognized with citations from U.S. Senators, Maryland Governor, the Census Bureau, and local officials for his civic engagement.

Dr. Ryu actively bridges academia and public service, serving as a part-time special assistant to the Mayor of Baltimore since 1988, coordinating the 1990 Census, and advising on Korean-American community relations. He has also held leadership roles with the Baltimore City Life Museums, Maryland Humanities Council, and Asian Advisory Committee to Baltimore County Schools.