Wheaton College Sociology & Anthropology

05/20/2026

Part II of a series written by Urban Studies major Naomi Thompson ('28), featuring anthropology student Dionntai Holyfield ('26). Dionntai has some personal, thoughtful analysis of recent trends in sentencing. It's worth your time. So proud of both of these students, and grateful to the Center for Public Justice for platforming the work. https://cpjustice.org/from-foster-care-to-prison-to-wheaton-dionntai-holyfield-on-juvenile-justice-and-christian-engagement-part-two/

Latest posts: The Center for Public Justice…

05/20/2026

Congratulations, Dr. Jeske! 🎉🎉

Congratulations to Wheaton College Professor Dr. Christine Jeske, who has been selected as a 2027 Fulbright U.S. Scholar for South Africa! Dr. Jeske will work with the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) for seven months to teach courses and collaboratively develop teaching methods and curriculum that will benefit both UKZN and Wheaton College, and the field of anthropology more broadly. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4eXQN8z

05/18/2026

Naomi Thompson (Urban Studies, '28) wrote a profile on Dionntai Holyfield (Anth Minor, '26).

This is a beautiful story of grace, redemption, perseverance, and love. We are proud to be a small part of Dionntai's story, and proud of Naomi for bringing this out. Thank you Naomi and Thank you Dionntai for sharing your journey.

Wheaton College has many such stories of incredible students doing incredible things. Soli Deo Gloria.

Dionntai Holyfield is a 2026 graduate of Wheaton College, where he studied Psychology and Anthropology. He graduated summa cm laude and was the 2026 recipient of the J. Richard Chase Award of Merit.

05/13/2026

We miss you already, Class of 2026! 💙🧡

05/10/2026

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 from the Department of Anthropology, Sociology, and Urban Studies at Wheaton College! 🎓

Today we celebrate YOU, and how hard you've worked to get to this day! From classrooms and research projects to friendships that will last a lifetime, it has been a joy having you as a part of our department. We are so proud of all you've accomplished and can't wait to see where your next chapter leads. 💙🧡

04/30/2026

Dr. Howell delivered his "last lecture" to the community on April 22. Although we didn't record the lecture itself, several people asked to hear it, so we made Dr. Howell sit down and record the script over his slides. He's a bit technologically inept, so there is some skips in the recording, but if you would like to burn 40 minutes hearing Dr. Howell talk about Identity, this is your chance! (Let us know in the comments if this isn't working!)

04/30/2026

We spent a memorable afternoon celebrating Dr. Howell's final lecture at Wheaton College last week. After 25 years of teaching, mentoring, and bringing energy and joy to our department, he was honored with a well-deserved standing ovation. 👏

If you missed it...stay tuned, he's working on a shareable option, and in the meantime, please write a memory or note of encouragement on his kudoboard found here: https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/DVC6Ntib

04/29/2026

You can't read this without a subscription to the Washington Post (although there are ways!). But suffice it to say: we approve of this message.

Anthropology taught me how to translate human experience into knowledge institutions can act on.

04/23/2026

We love our students. Alexa Reed, '26 came as a transfer looking for a home and found one in Anthropology, Sociology and Urban Studies. She found a place where students can disagree and debate and hold their views in a supportive and life-giving place. We know she's going on to great things! Congrats, Alexa, and thank you to all the alumni who helped make 2026 one of the most successful ever!

Alexa Reed ’26 drives to campus every day for her classes. After classes, she sometimes works on homework in Lower Beamer, a student hub on campus, before heading back to her family’s home, located ten minutes away from the College. As a commuter, Reed has had a different college experience than...

04/22/2026

Join us as we celebrate Dr. Howell and his 25 years at Wheaton College! 🎉
You're invited to a special "Last Lecture" and reception in his honor. We are looking forward to celebrate the impact he's made on his students and colleagues! He will be missed!

📅 Today, April 22nd
🕓 4:00 pm
📍 Blanchard 339

04/17/2026

Big moment for our sociology seniors! 👏
This week they presented their thesis papers, sharing research and analysis on social issues ranging from exercise practices of Wheaton students to immigrant rights networks in Chicago. Congrats to each of you as you wrap up this chapter and get ready for what's next! 🎓