The Department of Sociology is happy to welcome Dr. Joe Jakubek who will be serving as a non tenure track lecturer at Appalachian State . Dr. Jakubek received his PhD from Kansas State University and concentrated his training on State Theory, Politics, Democracy, and Civil Institutions. He has a M.A. in sociology from East Tennessee State University and a B.S. in sociology from Western Carolina University. His research interests sit at the intersection of public policy formation and public health outcomes. He has conducted research on community development strategies focused on alternative energy production in rural spaces, local and regional programs to mitigate rural out-migration, and the provision of public social services by private religious entities. His research agenda is also focused on the formation of personal identities and their impact on public opinion and support for various forms of public policy. His current research is situated between the areas of development policy and identity, which includes the intersection of racial, religious, and regional identities and support for public assistance and democratic policies.
