Wooster mourns passing of Charles Hurst, professor emeritus of sociology

Charles E. Hurst, professor emeritus of sociology at The College of Wooster, passed away on March 23, 2023, in Wooster, Ohio at the age of 81. Hurst began his service to the College in 1970, when he was appointed as an assistant professor of sociology, before being promoted to associate professor in 1975, and to professor in 1980. He also served several times as chair of the Department of Sociology. 

His research focused heavily on issues of social status, comparative poverty and inequality, and the uses of classical social theory in understanding contemporary social dilemmas and problems. These interests included studies of the status of Amish women in their culture and the relative status of Amish subgroups within their community. 

Throughout his career, Hurst published eight editions of the textbook, Social Inequality: Forms, Causes and Consequences. A second book, Living Theory: The Application of Classical Social Theory to Contemporary Life, followed in 2005. An Amish Paradox, co-authored in 2006 with professor of sociology and anthropology David McConnell, marked a sizable contribution to the study of Amish communities and their intersection with modern society. Numerous scholarly articles, paper presentations, speeches, and guest lectures punctuated Hurst’s contribution to higher learning. Hurst was consistently and universally celebrated by students and fellow academics alike for a passionate and creative approach to sociology that made complex concepts accessible to all. 

Above all, Hurst valued the connections he made with his students during his time at Wooster, saying upon his retirement in 2008, “I’m sure that I have learned as much from them as they have from me. Wooster’s students are wonderful people.” 

Hurst received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, then worked in a teaching position at the University of Wisconsin Fox Valley and Green Bay centers, where he met his wife, Mary Ellen Flanagan. The two then moved to Storrs, Connecticut to allow Hurst to complete his doctorate, before being appointed to his position at the College. 

A memorial service will take place on Friday, March 31, 2023, from 4-6 p.m. at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill Street, Wooster. Hurst’s full obituary can be found here.  

Posted in News on March 31, 2023.