Acknowledgements

There are several people whom I need to thank for their support through the writing and publishing process. I sincerely appreciate my colleagues at Rogers State University, who have given me a place to teach, write, and reflect and offered me their friendship. Chief among them are Christi Mackey, Brian Andrews, Ken Hicks, Mary Millikin, Bruce Garrison, Gary Bell, Davis Joyce, Lillian Daughaday, Rebekah Chamberlain, and Lori O’Malley. Two outstanding students, Micaiah Stowe and Zion Soloman, assisted me with library research. In addition, Zion contributed her skills in editing and challenging me in discussions. I appreciate her contributions to this work and her friendship since she graduated. I would be remiss if I did not mention my family—both long-time members and new—who consistently remind me of the importance of connections.

Finally, I appreciate all who struggle with understanding the social world and share their thoughts on what is going on out there—it turns out that it is also happening in academia.