Eric Larson
Eric Larson
Assistant Professor of Rural Sociology
School of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Eric Larson is an Assistant Professor of Rural Sociology. He earned his B.S. in Sociology from Southern Utah University. He then went on to complete his M.S. in Sociology with a focus in community and environment from Utah State University. After receiving all of his schooling and living most of his life in Utah, he decided it was time to change things up. So he packed up his family and move across the country where he went on to earn his duel-degree Ph.D. from the Pennsylvania State University in Rural Sociology and the Human Dimensions of Natural Resources and the Environment.
After graduating from Penn State, Dr. Larson went on to work as a Postdoctoral Social Science Researcher for the Social and Economic Analysis Branch of the United States Geological Survey in Fort Collins, Colorado. After this position ended, he went on to start his own applied social science research consulting company, PEER Social Science. He is actively engaged in developing his business here in South Georgia. While Dr. Larson loves conducting applied research, he felt that there was something missing from his work. It was during this time that he was offered the opportunity to return to Utah State University, but this time as a Assistant Teaching Professor. Dr. Larson taught several sociology courses and discovered he loved teaching as much as he did conducting research, finding answers, and solving problems. Dr. Larson began to actively search for a position that would fit his area of expertise, research interests, and provide teaching opportunities. The rest is history as they say, as he found such a position at ABAC. So he packed up his family for their third cross-country move and made the trek to Georgia. He has loved every minute of his time teaching at ABAC and has come to love Georgia (with the exception of the heat, humidity, and gnats).
When not working, Dr. Larson enjoys spending time with his family, making and creating new types of cheesecakes, riding his Harley, and especially going to the beach! In fact, if asked, his perfect day would be a combination of all four.
After graduating from Penn State, Dr. Larson went on to work as a Postdoctoral Social Science Researcher for the Social and Economic Analysis Branch of the United States Geological Survey in Fort Collins, Colorado. After this position ended, he went on to start his own applied social science research consulting company, PEER Social Science. He is actively engaged in developing his business here in South Georgia. While Dr. Larson loves conducting applied research, he felt that there was something missing from his work. It was during this time that he was offered the opportunity to return to Utah State University, but this time as a Assistant Teaching Professor. Dr. Larson taught several sociology courses and discovered he loved teaching as much as he did conducting research, finding answers, and solving problems. Dr. Larson began to actively search for a position that would fit his area of expertise, research interests, and provide teaching opportunities. The rest is history as they say, as he found such a position at ABAC. So he packed up his family for their third cross-country move and made the trek to Georgia. He has loved every minute of his time teaching at ABAC and has come to love Georgia (with the exception of the heat, humidity, and gnats).
When not working, Dr. Larson enjoys spending time with his family, making and creating new types of cheesecakes, riding his Harley, and especially going to the beach! In fact, if asked, his perfect day would be a combination of all four.
Introduction to Sociology
Social Problems
Introduction to Rural Community Development
Rural Sociology
Community Development and Organization
Practical Applications of Rural Community Organizations
Social Problems
Introduction to Rural Community Development
Rural Sociology
Community Development and Organization
Practical Applications of Rural Community Organizations
Dr. Larson's reach focuses on understanding and addressing natural resource, environmental, and development issues in rural communities.
Peer-Reviewed Publications:
Schad, J., E. Larson, F. Fernando, A. Abulbasher. The Goldilocks View?: Support and Skepticism of Unconventional Oil and Gas Development in the Bakken Shale. Energy Research & Social Science (Forthcoming).
Fernando, F. N., J. D. Ulrich-Schad, and E. C. Larson. 2020. Methodological Adaptations for Conducting Social Science Research during Different Stages of Shale Oil and Gas Development. In J. Jacquet, J. Haggerty, and G. Theodori (eds.), Energy Impacts: A Multidisciplinary Exploration of North American Energy Development. Logan, UT: University Press of Colorado.
Himes-Cornell, A., C. Ormond, K. Hoelting, N. C. Ban, J. Z. Koehn, E. Allison, E. C. Larson, and D. H. Monson. 2018. Factors Affecting Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Recovery in the Context of the Community Capitals Framework. Coastal Management Journal. DOI: 10.1080/08920753.2018.1498709
Eissler, S., E.C. Larson, and M.A. Brennen. 2017. The Centrality of Community: Achieving Child and Youth Welfare. Pp. 59-70, In Dolan, P. and N. Frost (eds.), The Routledge Handbook of Global Child Welfare. New York, NY: Routledge.
Larson, E.C. and R.S. Krannich. 2016. ‘A Great Idea, Just not Near Me!’ Understanding Public Attitudes about Renewable Energy Facilities. Society and Natural Resources. 29(12): 1436-1451.
Zawadzki, S.J., F.G. Schwartz, J.C.E. Blair, E.C. Larson, and J.N. Newton. 2016. Understanding Recycling while Tailgating: Applying an Information-Motives-Behavior Skills Approach. Pp. 289-305, In Zint, M, and W. L. Filho (eds.), The Contribution of Social Science to Sustainable Development at Universities. World Sustainability Series. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing.
Larson, E.C., A.E. Luloff, J.C. Bridger, and M.A. Brennan. 2015. Community as a Mechanism for Transcending Well-being at the Individual, Social, and Ecological Levels. Community Development 46(4): 407-419.
Baily, A., J. Leiker, A. Gutierrez, E.C. Larson, and S. Mitchell. 2015. Memorializing Lynch Victims: Countering Colorblind Ideologies with Experiential Learning. Sociology of Race and Ethnicity 1(3): 1-6.
Peer-Reviewed Publications:
Schad, J., E. Larson, F. Fernando, A. Abulbasher. The Goldilocks View?: Support and Skepticism of Unconventional Oil and Gas Development in the Bakken Shale. Energy Research & Social Science (Forthcoming).
Fernando, F. N., J. D. Ulrich-Schad, and E. C. Larson. 2020. Methodological Adaptations for Conducting Social Science Research during Different Stages of Shale Oil and Gas Development. In J. Jacquet, J. Haggerty, and G. Theodori (eds.), Energy Impacts: A Multidisciplinary Exploration of North American Energy Development. Logan, UT: University Press of Colorado.
Himes-Cornell, A., C. Ormond, K. Hoelting, N. C. Ban, J. Z. Koehn, E. Allison, E. C. Larson, and D. H. Monson. 2018. Factors Affecting Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Recovery in the Context of the Community Capitals Framework. Coastal Management Journal. DOI: 10.1080/08920753.2018.1498709
Eissler, S., E.C. Larson, and M.A. Brennen. 2017. The Centrality of Community: Achieving Child and Youth Welfare. Pp. 59-70, In Dolan, P. and N. Frost (eds.), The Routledge Handbook of Global Child Welfare. New York, NY: Routledge.
Larson, E.C. and R.S. Krannich. 2016. ‘A Great Idea, Just not Near Me!’ Understanding Public Attitudes about Renewable Energy Facilities. Society and Natural Resources. 29(12): 1436-1451.
Zawadzki, S.J., F.G. Schwartz, J.C.E. Blair, E.C. Larson, and J.N. Newton. 2016. Understanding Recycling while Tailgating: Applying an Information-Motives-Behavior Skills Approach. Pp. 289-305, In Zint, M, and W. L. Filho (eds.), The Contribution of Social Science to Sustainable Development at Universities. World Sustainability Series. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing.
Larson, E.C., A.E. Luloff, J.C. Bridger, and M.A. Brennan. 2015. Community as a Mechanism for Transcending Well-being at the Individual, Social, and Ecological Levels. Community Development 46(4): 407-419.
Baily, A., J. Leiker, A. Gutierrez, E.C. Larson, and S. Mitchell. 2015. Memorializing Lynch Victims: Countering Colorblind Ideologies with Experiential Learning. Sociology of Race and Ethnicity 1(3): 1-6.
Dr. Larson currently serves as the Head of the Curriculum Committee for the Department of Rural Studies.
He was nominated and selected as a candidate to participate in the 2020-2021 South GeorigaLEADS Leadership Development Program. Which aims to enrich South Georgia communities through a regional development approach and community leadership development.
He is an active member of a number of professional societies including:
Southern Sociological Society
The International Association for Society and Natural Resources
Rural Sociological Society
American Sociological Association
Community Development Society
He is an active supporting member of the Little River Chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse
He was nominated and selected as a candidate to participate in the 2020-2021 South GeorigaLEADS Leadership Development Program. Which aims to enrich South Georgia communities through a regional development approach and community leadership development.
He is an active member of a number of professional societies including:
Southern Sociological Society
The International Association for Society and Natural Resources
Rural Sociological Society
American Sociological Association
Community Development Society
He is an active supporting member of the Little River Chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse
