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About Professor Kunovich 

Professor Sheri Kunovich became the associate provost for Student Academic Engagement and Success at ÃÛÌÒ½´in July 2018. In this position, she oversees the Division of Student Academic Engagement and Success, comprised of Honors & Scholars, Office of Engaged Learning, Academic Development of Student Athletes, Undergraduate Education and Academic Success, Student Advising and Academic Success, and University Foundations. 

Dr. Kunovich graduated with a B.S. in Sociology from Texas A&M University. She earned M.A.s in Slavic and East European Studies and Sociology and a Ph.D. in Sociology from the Ohio State University. She joined the Department of Sociology in SMU's Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences in 2004. Professor Kunovich’s courses contribute to ÃÛÌÒ½´majors and minors in Sociology, Markets and Cultures, Women and Gender Studies, International Studies, and Human Rights. She has taught courses at the ÃÛÌÒ½´Taos Campus and served as the Director of the Prague Internship Program. Dr. Kunovich served as Chair of the Sociology Department from 2014-2018.  

She was previously awarded the Golden Mustang Award (2010), Margareta Deschner Teaching Award (2013), Excellence in Mentoring Award (2014), Extra Mile Award (2016), Outstanding Administrator Award (2021), and Above and Beyond Award (2025). She was selected as an Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor in 2013 and an M Award winner in 2019.

Professor Kunovich’s research within political sociology focuses on women’s representation in national legislatures and democratization in Eastern Europe. Her research within economic sociology focuses on attitudes towards distributive justice and consumption and consumerism. Her research within student achievement and success focuses on first-generation students’ collegiate experiences, continuing-generation college students’ sense-making, and understanding students’ academic pathway choices. She has published articles in journals such as the American Journal of Sociology, Annual Review of Sociology, Comparative Politics, Politics & Gender, and Social Forces. 

Research and Teaching Interests

• Women's political representation
• Democratization in Eastern Europe
• Wealth and consumption
• Social stratification and inequality

Selected Publications

• Kunovich, Sheri. 2018. “The Decline in Occupational Diversity in Polish Politics.” International Journal of Sociology 48 (1): 60-75.
• Robert M. Kunovich and Sheri Kunovich. 2016.“The Gender Gap in Political Knowledge in Poland.” Polish Sociological Review 1(193): 33-49.
• Kunovich, Sheri. 2012. “Voting Rates 1989 to 2007: Is There a Gender Gap in Poland?” International Journal of Sociology 42(1): 60-77.
• Kunovich, Sheri. 2012. "Unexpected Winners: The Significance of an Open-List System on Women’s Representation in Poland." Politics & Gender 8: 155-177.
• Kunovich, Robert M. and Sheri Kunovich. 2008. "Gender Dependence and Attitudes Toward the Household Distribution of Labor: A Comparative and Multilevel Analysis." International Journal of Comparative Sociology 49(6): 395-427.
• Kunovich, Sheri and Kazimierz M. Slomczynski. 2007. “Systems of Distribution and the Resulting Attitudes: A Multilevel Analysis of Meritocratic Attitudes in Post-Industrial Societies.” European Sociological Review 23(5): 649-663.
• Paxton, Pamela, Sheri Kunovich, and Melanie Hughes. 2007. “Women in Politics: A Comparative Perspective.” Annual Review of Sociology 33: 263-284.
• Kunovich, Sheri and Pamela Paxton. 2005. “Pathways to Power: The Role of Political Parties in Women’s National Political Representation.” American Journal of Sociology, 111 (2): 505-552.
• Paxton, Pamela and Sheri Kunovich. 2003. “Women’s Political Representation: The Importance of Ideology.” Social Forces 82 (1): 87-114.
• Kunovich, Sheri. 2003. "The Representation of Polish and Czech Women in National Politics: Predicting Electoral List Position". Comparative Politics 35 (April): 273-291.

Recognitions

• 2018 — PAT Award (Pretty Amazing Teacher), Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center, ÃÛÌÒ½´Methodist University
• 2014 — Excellence in Mentoring Award, Center for Engaged Learning, ÃÛÌÒ½´Methodist University
• 2013 — Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor Award, ÃÛÌÒ½´Methodist University
• 2013 — Margareta Deschner Teaching Award, Women's and Gender Studies. ÃÛÌÒ½´Methodist University
• 2010 — Golden Mustang Award, ÃÛÌÒ½´Methodist University
• 2009 — Sam Taylor Fellowship, United Methodist General Board of Higher Education and Ministry
• 2008 — Maynard Research Funds for Women's Studies, ÃÛÌÒ½´Methodist University
• 2004 — Gerald J. Ford Early Career Research Fellowship, ÃÛÌÒ½´Methodist University

Additional Information

• Curriculum vitae