Jason E Shelton

Dr. Jason E. Shelton is a Professor of Sociology and Director of the Center for African American Studies at The University of Texas at Arlington. His work focuses on the sociology of religion, race, class, and political/social issues in contemporary America. He holds a PhD from the University of Miami and has held various academic roles, including Postdoctoral Fellow at Rice University and Assistant Professor at the College of Wooster.

Education: PhD (2005), MA (2000) in Sociology from University of Miami; BA (1998) in Sociology from Kent State University.

Research interests include the Black Church’s role in politics, Black middle-class culture, and racial attitudes. He has authored two books and numerous articles in journals like Social Science Quarterly and Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion. His first book, *Blacks and Whites in Christian America*, won awards from the Southern Conference on African American Studies and the ASA Sociology of Religion Section.

Recent work examines religious diversity among African Americans and the intersection of race, class, and inequality. He serves on various boards, including the Arlington Unity Council, and has been featured in major media like the New York Times and NPR.

Awards include the City Cultural Diversity Award (2021), Distinguished Book Awards (2012, 2014), and multiple recognitions from his students and institutions.