University of Utah Department of Sociology records, 1966-1990

In 1985, the Department of Sociology was placed in academic receivership by the Graduate Council due to an atmosphere of internal strife and low morale among faculty that hindered its ability to operate cohesively. This meant that the department could neither make new faculty appointments nor accept new graduate students. Furthermore, Professor Bruce Baird, from the Department of Management, was appointed to head the department. Under Professor Baird's leadership, faculty members took steps to address their personal differences, formulate equitable personnel policies, and develop a plan for departmental restructuring. By July of 1987, conditions within the department had improved enough that Professor Baird was replaced as chairperson by sociology professor Edward L. Kick. The Graduate Council lifted the receivership status after a favorable follow-up review in 1988.