Dr. Gregory Kordsmeier

Gregory Kordsmeier, associate professor of sociology, is focused on creating meaningful learning experiences for students through his work with other faculty and students, and he’s recently been honored for this work. The American Sociological Association named Dr. Kordsmeier the editor for the Teaching Resources and Innovations Library for Sociology (TRAILS), an online, searchable database that provides peer reviewed, quality teaching material and techniques.

Working with TRAILS has helped him become mindful of his own teaching practices and the techniques he incorporates into his classes. “Good teaching is something that you can measure, and that you can apply good principles to,” Kordsmeier reflected. “Teaching itself is a skill, and it’s something that you can get better at over time.”

Dr. Kordsmeier is interested in making sure our campus is welcoming to all of its students and he provides meaningful mentorship and programming for students outside of the classroom. He began working with students in the Sociology Club and came to be particularly proud of his work with The Safe Zone Program. Safe Zone is a group that works to address the needs of our LGBTQ+ students, staff, faculty, and allies. He works alongside the training and planning committee. “The idea is for LGBTQ students to have a list of people that they feel safe going to on campus with whatever issues they may be facing.”

Kordsmeier is also an active researcher and his latest project is focused on how works of art can be understood from a sociological view by analyzing decision making processes. Through extensive interviews, he’s grappling with what influences regional theater productions as they consider how to balance costs, diversity of programming, and perceived community interests.

— Morgan Spencer