Dr. Roma Stovall Hanks has been appointed to serve as chair of the department of sociology, anthropology and social work at the University in the USA College of Arts and Sciences.

Hanks is an associate professor of sociology and coordinator of the masters program in sociology. She has served as director of USA programs in gerontology for more than a decade and was appointed associate investigator at the Mitchell Cancer Institute in 2005.

“We are delighted that Dr. Hanks has agreed to assume this leadership position,” said Dr. G. David Johnson, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

According to Johnson, Dr. Steven J. Picou, is stepping down after 20 years of outstanding service. He will continue to

According to Johnson, Dr. Steven J. Picou, is stepping down after 20 years of outstanding service. He will continue to serve as a member of the faculty once his term as chair ends.

Hanks earned a bachelor of arts degree from David Lipscomb College, a master of arts degree from George Peabody College at Vanderbilt University and a doctorate from the University of Delaware.

She has published six books, 18 articles and book chapters, and has received substantial grant support for her research.