William Tyson

Dr. Will Tyson is a Professor of Sociology at the University of South Florida (USF) in the College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Sociology & Interdisciplinary Social Sciences. He has held academic roles including Associate Director of the Institute on Black Life and served as a NSF grantee across multiple projects totaling over $12.8 million. His research focuses on STEM education pathways, career and technical education (CTE), and community college student transitions. He earned his Ph.D. in Sociology from Duke University in 2004.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Sociology, Duke University, 2004
• Graduate Certificate in Women’s Studies, Duke University, 2003
• M.A. in Sociology, Duke University, 2001
• B.A. in Sociology and Psychology, Wake Forest University, 1998

Research Interests: Dr. Tyson investigates how educational experiences shape career trajectories, particularly in STEM fields. Key areas include employability skills in CTE, community college-to-university transfer dynamics, and workforce development. His work emphasizes equity and accessibility for underrepresented groups in STEM.

Grants & Leadership:

• PathTech LISTEN (NSF #1801163): Longitudinal study of community college STEM students.
• TURNPIKE (NSF #2030861): Scholarships and support for rural/nontraditional engineering students.
• CCSN (NSF #2224623): Research hub on low-income STEM student pathways.

Awards & Recognition: While no explicit prizes are listed, Dr. Tyson’s extensive NSF grant leadership, book publications, and editorial roles reflect significant scholarly impact.

Advising & Mentorship: Advised over 20 doctoral, master’s, and undergraduate students, including work on topics like scholarship utilization and STEM workforce dynamics. Active in university and professional service, including editorial boards and national committees.

Labs & Collaborations: Leads the PathTech research initiative, collaborating with institutions like Polk State College and SRI International. Engaged in national projects through NSF-funded networks like ATE and S-STEM.