Faculty Bio

John (J.D.) Durst

Part-time Associate Professor of Sociology/Anthropology

Education

• B.A., Kent State University
• M.A., Ohio University
• Ph.D., Ohio State University

About

John Durst has been at Ohio Wesleyan since 1986. Previously, he taught at Ohio University and Ohio State University. Durst’s research interests are in the area of family life, criminology, and mental health. His dissertation was a work on prison organization entitled “Social and Structural Factors which Influence Prison Environments.” In addition to his course offerings, J.D. coordinates the Urban Life Center Internships in Chicago.

In terms of his research, J.D. continues researching migration issues of college educated Appalachians and community development distinguishing revitalization efforts to gentrification. Most of all, after 48 years of teaching, Durst still enjoys the classroom and interacting with his students.

Areas of Interest/Expertise 

• Criminology
• Deviant Behavior
• Punishment and Society
• Rural/Appalachia
• Immigration
• Mental Health
• Social Justice 
• Urban/Community Studies
• Revitalization of Neighborhoods