Hobart and William Smith Colleges

9 September 2025 • Alums • Faculty • Research Beginning to Make Their Mark in Sociology

HWS sociology faculty and alumni connect during national sociology conference. 

This summer, Hobart and William Smith faculty and alumni gathered in Chicago at the American Sociological Association’s annual meeting, the flagship conference for the discipline. The event created a valuable opportunity for networking, mentorship and professional development.

Associate Professor of Sociology Ervin Kosta was joined by several sociology graduates who are making their mark in the field. 

Among the recent graduates in attendance were:

• Alec Rhodes ’18, an assistant professor at Purdue University. Rhodes completed his M.A. and Ph.D. at The Ohio State University. His research focuses on the causes and consequences of economic inequality and financial insecurity for individuals, families and communities. His work has been published in outlets such as Social Forces, Social Problems and Nature Human Behaviour. He graduated summa cum laude in economics and sociology at HWS.
• Jonas Adams ’21, a Ph.D. student at the University at Buffalo. Adams, who also earned his M.A. in sociology at the University at Buffalo, teaches in the university’s Department of Sociology and Criminology. His research focuses on social constructs of place, the socio-natural development process of cities and cities’ changing use of land. He recently published on Geneva’s development since 1945 in City and Community. He graduated cum laude in sociology from HWS.
• Frances Depke ’25. Depke, a recent graduate, participated in the conference as she prepares to apply to graduate programs in urban planning. She graduated cum laude in sociology and environmental studies from HWS and was an O’Laughlin Ambassador in the Office of Admissions. Depke was a four-year member of the HWS sailing team. She competed in 60 regattas during her four years at HWS. Depke earned All-Middle Atlantic Intercollegiate Sailing Association Crew second team recognition twice. She competed in four national championship regattas during her career, including a 17th place finish at the 2025 Open Fleet Race National Championships. Depke was an Intercollegiate Sailing Association All-Academic selection as a junior and a senior.

"For our students and alumni, being at the conference is an affirmation that they are part of a vibrant and impactful professional community and reinforcing these connections helps ensure that their relationships with HWS do not end when they graduate," says Chair and Professor of Sociology James Sutton. 

The ASA meeting draws thousands of sociologists from around the world, offering sessions on the latest research, panels on pressing social issues and countless networking opportunities. 

Top: Associate Professor of Sociology Ervin Kosta, Alec Rhodes '18, Frances Depke '25 and Jonas Adams '21 pose together during the American Sociological Association’s annual meeting in Chicago.