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Tom Hood, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Sociology received his university education at Michigan State and Duke Universities. The Bachelor of Arts degree with high honors was awarded at M.S.U. in June 1960. In August of 1960 “Ginger” Johnson married Tom. She provided family support by teaching during his first years in graduate school in addition to his graduate research assistantship. Duke University awarded the A.M. degree in Sociology in 1964 and in August of that year their son, Christopher Charles was born. Ginger had by this time begun teaching at Meredith College in Raleigh, NC. In September, 1965, Hood began teaching at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Their daughter Heather was born in September, 1969 not long after Duke University granted Hood the Ph.D. degree. During those years Ginger provided great family support and much assistance in completing drafts of the dissertation.

Professor Hood has taught courses primarily in collective behavior and social movements, research methods, social psychology and environmental sociology. In addition to teaching at all undergraduate levels and graduate levels he has directed and served on more than 100 masters and doctoral committees.

As an author, Hood co-authored THE GOFFMAN LECTURES with Dwight Van de Vate. As well as a book of poetry reflecting his varied interests, I’VE GROWN ACCUSTOMED TO MY FAT, as T. C. Hood (reflecting his respect for the English poet, Thomas Hood).

A committed Christian, Hood is a life-long member of the United Methodist Church having served on local, district and conference committees. He has been an active 4-H Leader for over 40 years in Knox County and has received the College of Arts and Sciences and National Alumni Association Awards for Public Service.

The poems/essays in this collection look at three areas where identities may be challenged. Faith as opposed to doubt confronts us as we determine what we believe. Hope as opposed to despair tells our attitude as we meet each new challenge. Love as opposed to hate represents our approach to relationships with other beings who are seeking assurance themselves.