College of Arts and Sciences Announces Douglas Eichar's Retirement

Associate Professor and Sociology and Criminal Justice Department Chair Douglas Eichar is retiring after 35 years with the University, having spent the last 15 years as Department Chair.

"I am proudest of having a hand in hiring the core of young, dynamic teacher-scholars who are now the Department’s future," he says.  

Eichar says he loved introducing students to the field of sociology and taught a section of introductory sociology every semester. In retirement, Eichar says he is looking forward to being able to devote more time to writing and finishing a book that examines the relationship between racism and “American exceptionalism.

“Doug was passionate about the Department and about making the Center the focus of our collective vision,” says Associate Professor and Center for Social Research Director Wesley Younts. “By recruiting young faculty whose research aligns with the Center’s mission and tirelessly advocating to the administration, Doug empowered the Center to become the pinnacle of a truly unique education experienced by undergraduate sociology and criminal justice majors.

College of Arts and Sciences Dean Katherine Black said, “I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Doug for many years. He has dedicated his career to advocating for his students and for his colleagues, and for the betterment of A&S and the University. Doug has worked tirelessly toward the department’s vision in every decision he has made. He recruited top-notch faculty and created new opportunities for students. His lasting legacy, for which we owe him a debt of gratitude, will be the strong and caring department that he helped to build. My very best wishes to Doug in his retirement.”