Dr. Matthew Painter, associate professor and director of undergraduate studies for the Sociology Program, sat comfortably in his office after teaching a 9 a.m. Sociological Principles class, with no shoes, striped socks and a smile on his face.
Painter had originally planned on becoming an FBI agent when attending undergraduate school at Kansas State, taking criminal justice classes left and right, but realized in his junior year that was not at all what he truly wanted to do. It wasn’t until his senior year, taking a sociology class called “Wealth, Power and Privilege,” that he found his calling.
“In that class, I was really inspired about studying wealth and wealth inequality,” said Painter. “That’s when I decided I wanted to be a professor.”
That course marked a turning point in Painter’s academic journey. He fell in love with sociology and the role it plays in understanding societies around the world.
“I went to Ohio State and then just fell in love with doing research, fell in love with communication, what sociology has to offer about the world,” said Painter.
Painter has a passion for teaching sociology, especially to undergraduate students, and has been teaching since August 2010. He currently teaches five classes at the University of Wyoming: Sociological Principles, Race and Ethnic Relations, Sociology of Family, Social Inequality and Research Methods. Painter said he enjoys connecting with students and seeing the joy in their faces when he teaches.
“My central philosophy is about connecting with students because when you connect, then you establish this trusting relationship and I think it opens minds to what you are trying to get them to understand,” said Painter. “It’s really a partnership then.”
Growing up in a rural town in Kansas, filled with only 500 farmers, Painter grew to love the familiarity that Wyoming gave him. In his younger days he enjoyed hiking and outdoor activities with his wife. Now his time is occupied by his three children. He also enjoys reading fantasy and science-fiction books, as well as learning from books to create an engaging environment for his students.
Along with teaching Painter is engaged in research with focuses on immigration and wealth inequality. He is interested in how much money families have and how it changes over time, as well as exploring a general interest in immigration, like immigrants’ experiences entering the United States.
Painter encourages students to share his love for sociology and take related course work, especially his favorite undergraduate class, Sociological Principles.
“I would strongly encourage everyone to take a sociology class. I think it has a lot to offer,” said Painter. “I think it’s very fun and I would love to have [students in class].”
Painter’s love for his work speaks more than words when he talks about his passion with students. Students who are interested in sociology may take a variety of classes at UW, and Painter welcomes students who want to discuss sociology.
