As the QMSS program offers its first classes this fall, Dr. Beth Ann Whitaker has joined the team to teach the flagship courses, QMSS 201 and 451. Having spent the last 9 years teaching undergraduate classes in sociology at Central Michigan University, Dr. Whitaker eagerly accepted the challenge of joining this fledgeling program, creating a new course curriculum, and helping to establish a QMSS student community.


“I think in the post-modern, information economy the QMSS program is such a timely addition to what UM offers. Liberal Arts and Social Science topics are so important, and a program like QMSS shows students how they can use their degrees in these areas in practical and applied ways. This program is responsive to the opportunities we have to access data from so many different sources these days, and then to responsibly and effectively use that data in an actionable way. I think it’s exciting and could help undergrads feel comfortable pursuing their passions for social issues yet still have practical skills for the workplace. I have been in research and analysis roles in business, not-for-profit and academic settings so I’ve seen this in action, but often the way research methods classes are designed, not all students can see the applicability of the skill set for uses other than grad school. This program definitely shows that value.”


She received her Ph.D. in Sociology from Michigan State University after getting her M.B.A. at Villanova University and working in the business world. As an undergraduate, she studied economics, earning a B.S. from James Madison University. “I think I was drawn to get my advanced degree in Sociology because I’ve always been a bit of an idealist interested in social issues and trying to solve social problems. A sociological perspective allows me to look through a new lens at the topics of Economics and Business that I studied before. My research focuses on the interdisciplinary topic of the Intersection of Work and Family, so it draws from my varied background. My different degrees synergize well!”


Indeed, Dr. Whitaker’s career has given her a depth of knowledge across many subjects, all of which contribute to her multifaceted approach to teaching social sciences. Previously, she has worked for the Michigan Public Health Institute as a research scientist and program coordinator, as a manager of marketing research for Morningstar Inc. in Chicago, as well as a sociology instructor at Michigan State University.  “My work looking at the work/family interface is so relevant now as people struggle with working from home or in high risk jobs while caring for children and overseeing their schooling and while helping elderly family members who are high risk in terms of COVID. Those challenges can be really different depending on access to resources shaped by social class. When I studied the impact of employee relocation on family members and heard about moved spouses who ended up working online, I heard a lot of the same laments people express lately.  There are two sides to the work-at-home coin. It can be so convenient and flexible, but it can also be isolating and frustrating.”


In addition to teaching, Dr. Whitaker will also provide advising to declared minors and students enrolled in the program’s courses with both concepts and student research projects. This facet of her role also brings her satisfaction. “I have had students present research they did for their methods course at undergraduate research conferences, and I enjoyed seeing their pride and professionalism.” She is also quick to point out that, “To me student mentoring is about making sure students know their success matters to the school and that seeking help and advice are signs of strength, not signs of weakness.”


When discussing her goals for the program, she added, “I will know I’ve been successful when students express their passion for the importance of research to real world, everyday problems and recognize that there is a place at the research table for people with all different kinds of strengths and interests.”


This fall, QMSS 201 will be offered in a hybrid format with some classes happening in-person, and others synchronously online. “Students can expect the classes will have some projects for hands-on learning. Also, I expect students to begin with different skill sets - some may already be pretty skilled with computer programs and others won’t; some may already be pretty skilled with statistics and others won’t; some may be passionate social activists and others won’t. In the end though, we will all have literacy in these skills and will know how to fit them all together.”


Dr. Whitaker can be reached by email, and she will also be available for Zoom office hours and advising appointments. If you would like to learn more about Dr. Whitaker, click here.