John Skvoretz

John Skvoretz is a Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Sociology & Interdisciplinary Social Sciences at the University of South Florida (USF), within the College of Arts and Sciences. He previously served as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (2005–2008) and Interim Director of the School of Public Affairs (2016–2017). Skvoretz holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Pittsburgh (1976) and B.A. degrees in Mathematics and Sociology from Lehigh University (1969).

• Research Interests: Theoretical methods (formal modeling, simulation), group processes (status dynamics, power structures), and network analysis (structural biases, diffusion processes).
• Grants: Secured funding from NSF, DoD, NIH, and VA for projects on social networks in STEM education, health disparities, and exchange dynamics. Notable grants include modeling information diffusion (DARPA) and STEM retention strategies (NSF).
• Awards: Fellow, AAAS (2013); James S. Coleman Distinguished Career Award (2012); multiple Outstanding Faculty Awards (USF, 2020/2017/2013); Poland Ministry of Education Awards (1997).
• Teaching: Taught undergraduate courses in social networks, statistics, and theory. Directed dissertations focusing on network dynamics (e.g., intergroup relations, team formation).
• Administrative Roles: Chair of the Department of Sociology at the University of South Carolina (1984–1994); member of tenure review and promotion committees at multiple institutions.

Skvoretz’s work bridges mathematical sociology and empirical research, emphasizing network structures and their implications for inequality, collaboration, and policy. His software tools, such as Network Analysis: Statistical Approaches (R programs), support social network data analysis.