Cherise A. Harris

Cherise A. Harris is a Professor of Sociology and Director of Africana Studies at Connecticut College, where she has been a faculty member since 2009. She earned her B.A. from Seton Hall University and completed both her M.A. and Ph.D. at The University of Georgia. Professor Harris teaches courses including Race, Gender, and the Mass Media; Ethnic and Race Relations; Sociology of Inequality; Sociology of Racial Identity; and Middle Class Minorities.

Professor Harris specializes in the intersection of race, class, and gender, with particular focus on marriage and the family, and social psychology. Her research examines the experiences of Black middle-class individuals, racial identity formation, and the dynamics of race in American society. She has made significant contributions to the field through her publications and editorial work, including serving on the editorial board for Teaching Sociology. Her scholarly work demonstrates consistent engagement with how race is discussed and understood in contemporary America, particularly through her examination of media representations and interpersonal dynamics.

Professor Harris has received notable recognition for her teaching excellence, including being the inaugural recipient of Connecticut College's Helen Mulvey Faculty Award in 2012, which honors assistant professors who challenge students to achieve exceptional academic growth. Her publications reveal a strong research trajectory focused on race relations, Black middle-class experiences, and pedagogical approaches to teaching difficult subjects.

• Helen Mulvey Faculty Award (2012)

As Director of Africana Studies, Professor Harris leads an interdisciplinary program examining the experiences, histories, and cultures of people of African descent globally. Her leadership has strengthened the program's academic offerings and community engagement initiatives. Professor Harris has delivered numerous invited lectures at prestigious institutions including Yale University, Loyola University-Chicago, and The University of Vermont, addressing critical issues of race, gender, and social identity. Her presentations at major sociological conferences demonstrate ongoing scholarly engagement with the profession.