Korie Little Edwards, professor in the Department of Sociology, was appointed interim associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion for the College of Arts and Sciences, effective Aug. 1.

Edwards, who has been with the Department of Sociology since 2004, is a renowned scholar whose work examines the intersections of race and religion with a particular focus on multiracial churches and the Black Church. She has authored numerous articles and books, including The Elusive Dream: The Power of Race in Interracial Churches, Smart Suits, Tattered Boots: Black Ministers Mobilizing the Black Church in the Twenty-First Century (co-authored with Michelle Oyakawa) and the forthcoming Estranged Pioneers: Race, Faith and Leadership in a Diverse World (co-authored with Rebecca Kim). Edwards has also directed or co-directed several funded research projects totaling nearly $1.75 million.  

Edwards has a distinguished record of university and professional service, recently serving as a university senator and a member of the Committee on Academic Freedom and Responsibility, and as chair of her department’s diversity and inclusion committee. She has also been president of the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion and is currently editor-in-chief of the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion.

“I am delighted to be joining the College of Arts and Sciences’ leadership team,” Edwards said. “I am tremendously grateful for the outstanding work of my predecessor in this role, Wendy Smooth. I look forward to partnering with our departments and centers to support, promote and innovate diversity, equity and inclusion structures and initiatives that facilitate a dynamic, thriving scholarly community.  

Edwards steps into the role following the departure of her predecessor, Wendy Smooth, who accepted a position as senior vice provost for inclusive excellence for the Office of Academic Affairs.