Edward C. Polson
Associate Professor
Education
PhD, Baylor University
MA, Baylor University
MSW, Baylor University
MDiv, Baylor University
BA, Mississippi College
Full Curriculum Vita
Research Interests
- Civil Society
- Organizations
- Religion
- Diversity
- Civic Engagement
Selected Publications
Polson, Edward C., and Gillespie, Rachel (2019). The bridging activity of multiracial congregations. Religions 10(3), 1-14. doi: 10.3390/rel10030204
Polson, Edward C., Kevin D. Dougherty (2018). Worshiping across the color line: The influence of congregational composition on Whites’ friendship networks and racial attitudes. Sociology of Race and Ethnicity doi: 10.1177/2332649218757804
Polson, Edward C. (2015). Putting civic participation in context: Examining the effects of congregational structure and culture. Review of Religious Research. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1007/s1364401502234
Polson, Edward C. (2014). Social diversity and civic engagement: The effects of social and ethnic heterogeneity on the community involvement of American congregations. Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1177/0899764014548424.
Jang, Sung Joon, Byron R. Johnson, Young-Il Kim, Edward C. Polson, and Buster G. Smith. (2014). Structured voluntary youth activities and positive outcomes in adulthood: An exploratory study of involvement in scouting and subjective well-being. Sociological Focus, 47(4), 238-267.
Polson, Edward C., Young-Il Kim, Sung Joon Jang, Byron R. Johnson, and Buster Smith. (2013). Being prepared and staying connected: Scouting's influence on social capital and community involvement. Social Science Quarterly, 94(3), 758-776.
Polson, Edward C. (2008). The Inter-organizational ties that bind: Exploring the contributions of agency - congregation relationships. Sociology of Religion, 69(1), 45-65.
Background
Edward Polson joined the Baylor Social Work faculty in 2014. Before coming to Baylor, he served as Assistant Professor of Sociology at Messiah College in Grantham, PA and at Louisiana State University in Shreveport, LA.
Dr. Polson’s research interests include community engagement; civil society; the intersection of religion and civic life; and the work of non-profit organizations and voluntary associations. Dr. Polson has also been involved in applied research projects with community organizations in Texas, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania.
Dr. Polson is married to Lauren, a clinical social worker at Family Health Center in Waco. They are the proud parents of two children, Lucy (2010) and Joshua (2013).