Dr. Albert Nylander is a Professor of Sociology in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Mississippi. He is the Director of the Grisham-McLean Institute for Public Service and Community Engagement.
Research Interests
Dr. Nylander’s research interests involve examining social networks and power structures of institutions, particularly education, and the importance of these social structures in changing life opportunities for those seeking to improve their social and economic standings.
As an academic entrepreneur, Dr. Nylander has written and participated in more than 75 proposals, receiving more than $15,000,000 in external funding from grants and philanthropic initiatives. He is known for developing and leading practical and multi-disciplinary programs in leadership and community development in the social sciences.
Biography
Dr. Albert Nylander earned his B.A.E in Secondary Social Studies Education from the University of Mississippi (1992); M.A. in Sociology from the University of Mississippi (1994); and Ph.D. in Sociology from Mississippi State University (1998).
Dr. Nylander has over 30 years of university experience, particularly as an administrative leader in higher education. He was the University of Mississippi’s inaugural Director of the Grisham-McLean Institute for Public Service and Community Engagement. The Institute’s mission is to advance transformative service throughout the University and to fight poverty through education in Mississippi.
Prior to joining the University of Mississippi, Dr. Nylander served as Dean of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education, and Chair of the Division of Social Sciences at Delta State University. His academic leadership focuses on developing and institutionalizing programs with an applied development emphasis. While serving as department chair he developed an academic program in community development, graduating more than 100 students in an 11-year period. Many of these students remain employed throughout community and economic development organizations.
During the years directing the Grisham-McLean Institute, Dr. Nylander has supported the efforts to institutionalize community engagement at the University of Mississippi. Under his leadership, the Grisham-McLean Institute has developed multiple programs to fight poverty through education and to create transformative experiences for UM students. One significant project that has created pathways for community-campus partnerships has been the Catalyzing Entrepreneurship and Economic Development program, a multi-million dollar grant from the Robert M. Hearin Support Foundation.
Courses Taught
- Soc 101 Introductory Sociology
- Soc 361 The Sociology of Education
- Soc 451 Topics in Sociology
Education
Ph.D. Sociology, Mississippi State University (1998)