Dec 05, 2025  
2025-2026 Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Catalog

College of Social Sciences & Education



Dr. Julie Rich, Dean

The College of Social Sciences and Education is dedicated to studying behavior and thought in their individual, social, cultural, physical, and historical contexts, and to the beneficial application of this knowledge. The College prepares students for productive careers and engaged citizenship through general education instruction, and major, minor and interdisciplinary programs which emphasize critical and scientific thinking. Through teaching, scholarship, and service, the College’s faculty aims to enhance social justice, environmental awareness, and the quality of life in northern Utah and beyond.

Dean: Dr. Julie Rich
Associate Dean: Dr. Brent Horn
Telephone Contact: Tracy Hicks 801-626-6232
Location: Lindquist Hall, Room 161
 
College Advisors: Nicholas Ferre, Christy Cottrell, Genesis Vasques Rivas, Victor Blocher
Telephone: 801-626-7809
Locations: Lindquist Hall, Rooms 107A, 107B, 151, 157

Department Chairs/Directors

Child & Family Studies: Dr. Ryan Dunn   385-244-0141
Criminal Justice: Dr. Molly Sween   801-626-7293
Geography, Environment and Sustainability: Dr. Eric Ewert   801-626-6197
Graduate Studies in Education: Dr. Wei Qiu   801-626-7386
History: Dr. Matthew Romaniello   801-626-6699
Political Science & Philosophy: Dr. Mary Beth Willard   801-626-6694
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Teaching: Dr. Sheryl Rushton    
Psychological Science: Dr. Shannon McGillvray   801-626-8743
Social Work & Gerontology: Dr. Kerry Kennedy   801-626-6155
Sociology & Anthropology: Dr. Huiying Hill   801-626-7888
Teacher Education: Dr. Ryan Cain   385-288-1024
ROTC Units   801-581-6236
Aerospace Studies: Lt Col Angelique P. Brown (SLC)   801-581-6236
  or contact the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences  
801-626-6232
Military Science: Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Gillespie   801-626-6938

Social Science Education Center

Director: Dr. Stephen Francis
Location: Lindquist Hall, Room 273
Telephone: 801-626-6781

The Social Science Education Center was initiated and organized in 1990 to promote, coordinate, and encourage social science education. The faculty of the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, the College of Education, public and private schools and their respective districts collaborate in programs and activities designed to improve and enhance the teaching of the Social Sciences. This includes seminars for social science teachers in the area and presentations by Weber State University professors.

The Olene S. Walker Institute of Politics and Public Service

Directors: Leah Murray
Location: Lindquist Hall, Room 167
Telephone: 801-626-6252
Email: walkerinstitute@weber.edu

The non-partisan Walker Institute is committed to upholding the highest standards of American democracy and providing a visible and vibrant hub of political engagement for the Weber State University community. Through forums, workshops, seminars, symposiums and panel discussions, the Walker Institute strives to bring a better understanding of the political process to students and community members. The Walker Institute is dedicated to the training of future leaders by inspiring students to embrace public service and engaging them in internship opportunities at the local, state and national levels.

The Richard Richards Institute for Ethics

Director:  Dr. Richard Greene
Location: Lindquist Hall, Room 132
Telephone: 801-626-6694

The Richard Richards Institute for Ethics was established in 2007 in order to promote ethical leadership in both private industry and government.  It works to do so via outreach and education by offering scholarship opportunities to high school and college students, hosting workshops and ethics related activities for community members, and by acknowledging and honoring those leaders of our community who exemplify the highest ethical ideals and standards.

Departments and Programs