معرفی
Dr. Jason E. Shelton serves as Professor of Sociology and Director of the Center for African American Studies at the University of Texas at Arlington. He has held academic positions at UTA since 2008, progressing from Assistant Professor to his current full Professor role. His academic credentials include a PhD and MA in Sociology from the University of Miami (2005, 2000) and a BA in Sociology from Kent State University (1998), followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Rice University.
- PhD, Sociology, University of Miami (2005)
- MA, Sociology, University of Miami (2000)
- BA, Sociology, Kent State University (1998)
Dr. Shelton's scholarly work centers on the sociology of religion within African American communities, examining how race, class, and religion intersect to shape political and social attitudes. His research demonstrates particular expertise in religious diversity among African Americans, Black middle class culture, and debates surrounding race versus class frameworks for understanding social inequality. His publications reveal a consistent trajectory from foundational work on Black religious experience to increasingly nuanced analyses of contemporary religious dynamics and their societal implications.
His recent publications show an evolving focus that maintains his longstanding interest in religious and racial dynamics while addressing increasingly complex questions about diversity within Black communities. The pattern reveals growing attention to intra-racial differences, immigrant perspectives, and the multifaceted nature of religious identity among African Americans.
- Distinguished Book Award (Honorable Mention), American Sociological Association's Section on the Sociology of Religion (2014)
- Distinguished Book Award, Southern Conference on African American Studies (2012)
- City Cultural Diversity Award, The National League of Cities (2021)
- Advancing the Dream Award, City of Arlington, Texas (2021)
- Dr. June James Distinguished Education Leader Award, NAACP (2018)
Dr. Shelton has advised numerous graduate and undergraduate students through directed studies, thesis committees, and capstone projects, with many focusing on issues of race, religion, and social inequality. His community engagement extends significantly beyond campus through his role as Chair of the Arlington Unity Council, where he leads initiatives to study equity strategies for the city. His expertise has been sought by major media outlets including The New York Times, NPR, BBC, and Christianity Today for commentary on race relations and religious dynamics in America.
As Director of the Center for African American Studies, Dr. Shelton oversees an academic unit that serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research, teaching, and community engagement focused on the Black experience in America. The center supports scholarship, hosts public events, and collaborates with community organizations to address issues of racial equity and social justice.
