Dr. Michael Louis Radelet Q&A

Why Purdue?
In the mid-1970s, the Sociology Department at Purdue was rapidly becoming one of the very best Sociology Departments in the U.S., particularly in the area that I wanted to study, Medical Sociology.

Purdue people/classes
I was especially fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from three internationally renowned professors who were not only outstanding teacher/scholars, but also became role models to me for their human rights leadership and activism. Professors Robert Perrucci, Robert Eichhorn, and Dean Knudsen (among others at Purdue) remain friends and heroes to me to this day.

Favorite Purdue Experience
I especially benefitted by being in a terrific cohort in graduate school that included several students who like to discuss and debate class materials outside the classroom.

Tidbit of wisdom for students
If you see a problem that needs work, but wait to do something until you know what you are doing, you will end up doing nothing. Like Christopher Columbus, often you need to start sailing and see what you hit.

What this recognition means
Major awards such as a “Distinguished Alumni Award” usually honor the work more than the person. The work is a community effort, and much of the individual credit is for being at the right place at the right time. The award is something that can be used to show that some people place a high value on the work.

Education
PhD 1977, Sociology, Purdue University
MA 1974, Sociology, Eastern Michigan University
BA 1972, Sociology, Michigan State University

Professional History
Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Colorado-Boulder
Chair, Department of Sociology, University of Colorado-Boulder
Chair, Department of Sociology, University of Florida
Visiting Professor, School of Law, University of Westminster (London)

Honors/Awards
Chase Faculty Service Award
Service Award, Boulder Faculty Assembly
Paul Tappan Award for lifetime achievement, Western Society of Criminology
Volunteer of the Year Award, Families of Homicide Victims and Missing Persons
Steven M. Goldstein Criminal Justice Award, Florida Association of Criminal Defense
Criminologist of the Year Award, American Society Lawyer of Criminology
Peacemaker of the Year Award, Center for Peace Studies
Teaching Improvement Program Award,University of Florida
President’s Humanitarian Award, University of Florida
Excellence in Undergraduate Instruction Award, University of Florida

Membership/Community Involvement
Chair, Membership and Program Committees, Society for the Study of Social Problems
Nominations Committee, American Sociological Association
Board of Directors, Big Brothers of Gainesville
Committee on Ethical Issues in Criminological Research, American Society of Criminology
Awards Committee for Outstanding Dissertation, ASA Medical Sociology Section