Meet Dr. Lori Anderson
Having taught sociology for nearly 35 years, I still find teaching at Tarleton State University a rewarding experience. The highlight of my day is entering the classroom. Even though I don't always find my students sitting on the edge of their seats, before I'm through with the lecture my hope always is to see them more enthusiastic about studying sociology.
Having the opportunity to teach sociology gives me the chance to change people's lives – otherwise I would've been a minister, the other career I considered. I appreciate Tarleton for giving me the venue to share a different way of thinking with our students. I know that at this university I can be creative, challenging, and a bit pushy. I feel it is my responsibility to drive students, not to question their values; to consider where they came from and then encourage them to decide for themselves if they want to cling to their existing beliefs or change them.
The part of the discipline of sociology that appeals to me the most is the opportunity to empower students to probe their “take it for granted reality” and find new ways of seeing life.
It is not just the perspective of sociology that is exciting here at Tarleton. This discipline often results in collaborative research projects with students. My fellow researcher, Dr. Pati Hendrickson, now retired, and I have had numerous opportunities to take students to conferences to present exceptionally good social science research. Having the chance to teach students statistical analysis and data assessment is one of the best parts of my job.
Working in the Tarleton sociology program is truly a privilege for me, and I value my time teaching here because Tarleton students appreciate the opportunity to learn a different way of thinking and receive the hands-on opportunity for scientific research.
Dr. Lori J. Anderson
Professor of Sociology
Phone: 254-968-9619
Ph.D., Oklahoma State University, Sociology.
M.A., Stephen F. Austin State University, Sociology.
B.S., University of Tennessee at Martin, Education—Sociology, History, and Psychology