Alan Mock to retire following 31 years in Lakeland classrooms
Professor of Sociology Alan Mock, Ph.D., one of the most versatile and caring teachers in Lakeland University’s long history, will retire following this academic year after 31 years of service.
Mock has been named Emeritus Professor of Sociology by Lakeland’s Board of Trustees, an honor which will be part of Saturday’s 4 p.m. commencement ceremony. It is the highest honor for a Lakeland faculty member.
Known affectionately to many as Doc Mock, he joined Lakeland’s faculty in 1993, was promoted to associate professor of sociology in 2000 and to his current role in 2010. He has taught over two dozen different courses at Lakeland, and several programs have relied on his expertise to offer required and elective courses for their majors and minors. He has been a committed contributor to Lakeland’s interdisciplinary studies and core curriculums.
Additionally, Mock has served Lakeland in numerous capacities, including important leadership roles. He was the social science division chair from 2004-2010, was a member of the Academic Personnel Review Committee and chaired other committees. He has frequently represented Lakeland in the wider community, including at academic conferences, public lectures, film screenings and presentations at area churches. His writing has also been part of several scholarly publications.
In recent years, Mock has served as an advisor for education students awaiting entrance into that program, a role requiring specialized knowledge of the education curriculum.
His areas of specialization include religion, diversity studies, race and ethnicity, gender, social stratification, social theory and criminology.
“Alan’s colleagues have appreciated and benefitted from his cogent contributions to their dialogue on challenging issues, knowing that his comments stem from genuine concern and experience,” said Karl Kuhn, dean of LU’s School of Humanities & Fine Arts.
“Our students have experienced in Doc Mock a caring, authentic, approachable and well-liked educator who strives to make the material he presents in his courses both accessible and interesting. He has not wavered in his commitment to be aware of and sensitive to the challenges and gifts students bring to his classroom.”
Mock is also an accomplished musician who has performed for several years as a solo artist and with several bands throughout the Midwest. He frequently performs locally and has appeared at numerous Lakeland events over the years.
Mock’s daughter, Emma, is a 2021 Lakeland graduate and he met his wife, Robin, while they both worked at Lakeland.
Mock came to Lakeland from West Virginia University where he was an assistant professor of sociology. He has also taught at the Iliff School of Religion and Purdue University.
He received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Manchester College in Indiana, a master’s and doctorate in sociology both from Purdue.
