David A. Kinney

Dr. David A. Kinney is Professor of Sociology at Central Michigan University's School of Politics, Society, Justice & Public Service. He holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from Indiana University, Bloomington, and has had a distinguished academic career focused on youth, education, and identity. He founded the nationally unique Youth Studies Program at CMU and has served as Faculty Affiliate at the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research.

• Ph.D., Indiana University, Bloomington, 1990
• M.A., Bowling Green State University, 1984
• B.A., Bowling Green State University, 1982

Dr. Kinney's research centers on childhood and adolescent socialization, youth culture, identity, education, and race and ethnicity. His work explores how young people navigate social institutions, form peer cultures, and develop identities in educational settings. He employs qualitative and ethnographic methods to understand deviance, stigma, and social integration among youth.

His recent publications reflect a consistent focus on youth experiences across educational contexts, from middle school transitions to college campus cultures. Themes include peer group dynamics, stigma and identity, educational equity, and the social construction of youth. His work appears in top sociology and education journals, demonstrating interdisciplinary reach.

Dr. Kinney has received several prestigious awards for teaching and mentorship:

• 2016 College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Excellence in Teaching Award
• 2020 University Excellence in Teaching Award
• 2024 University Student Mentorship Award

He is actively involved in academic service, having served as Series Editor for Sociological Studies of Children and Youth, President of the Michigan Sociological Association, and member of American Sociological Association councils. He also advises the student organization For Michigan at CMU and has developed mentoring programs for at-risk youth in local schools, reflecting his commitment to applied sociology and community engagement.

Dr. Kinney has been affiliated with research initiatives such as the Center for Ethnography of Everyday Life at the University of Michigan and has collaborated with federal agencies like the U.S. Department of Education on urban school reform. His work bridges academic research and practical application in youth development and educational policy.