Time magazine named WSU alumnus William Julius Wilson (’66) one of America’s 25 most influential people. Dr. Wilson, who earned his doctorate in sociology from WSU, taught sociology at several universities, including Harvard. He is one of the nation’s most accomplished and looked-to analysts of race, inequality, and poverty, a MacArthur “genius” award recipient and, counting this year’s accolade at Yale University, holder of 45 honorary degrees.

He is only the second sociologist to receive the National Medal of Science, the highest scientific award in the United States.

(Cambridge, MA - October 1, 2008) - William Julius Wilson, the Lewis P. and Linda L. Geyser University Professor at Harvard University, delivers a talk titled "More Than Just Race: Social Structure and Culture in Inner City Poverty" in the Thompson Room at the Barker Center. William Julius Wilson (pictured) takes questions from the audience following his talk. Staff Photo Stephanie Mitchell/Harvard University News Office
(Cambridge, MA – October 1, 2008) – William Julius Wilson, the Lewis P. and Linda L. Geyser University Professor at Harvard University, delivers a talk titled “More Than Just Race: Social Structure and Culture in Inner City Poverty” in the Thompson Room at the Barker Center. William Julius Wilson (pictured) takes questions from the audience following his talk. Staff Photo Stephanie Mitchell/Harvard University News Office