College of Public Affairs Faculty
Interview with Laura Wilson-Gentry
The interview was conducted as part of the University of Baltimore Stories: 100th Anniversary Oral History Project, directed by the Special Collections and Archives department at the University of Baltimore's RLB Library. It was conducted via Zoom application by Elizabeth Epps on December 8 2022. The interviewee is Laura Wilson-Gentry, Associate Dean (2012-2022) and a professor emerita of the College of Public Affairs at The University of Baltimore.
In this interview, Laura Wilson-Gentry relates to growing up in New England, where her father passed down a love of history that would result in her studying medieval and material history in college. Later she would switch to a Political Science major amidst the intrigue of U.S. political affairs during the 1970’s. After earning a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice at SUNY Albany, Wilson-Gentry would relocate to Oklahoma and earn a Doctor of Public Administration at Oklahoma University. Eventually returning to the East Coast, Wilson-Gentry landed at the University of Baltimore, first starting out as an Assistant Professor, teaching state and local government, statistics, and ethics. She would go on to become the Associate Dean of the University of Baltimore Masters of Public Affairs as well as co-author When Work is Not Enough, one of various publications highlighting her work and research regarding poverty, welfare, and the public sector. Even in retirement, Wilson-Gentry looks forward to staying involved with The Schaefer Center for Public Policy and providing any necessary assistance to the College of Public Affairs.
Interview with Benjamin Wright
The interview was conducted as part of the University of Baltimore Stories: 100th Anniversary Oral History Project, directed by the Special Collections and Archives department at the University of Baltimore's RLB Library. It was conducted via Zoom application by Bedell Terry on April 4 2023. The interviewee is Benjamin Wright, Associate Professor (1991-present) College of Public Affairs at The University of Baltimore.
During this interview, Professor Benjamin Wright discusses the changes and challenges he has witnessed over the course of his tenure at the University of Baltimore. He discusses his educational background, including his PhD in criminology from Florida State University, and his journey from South Carolina to Louisiana before settling in Baltimore. He shares insights into the university's transformation, including its transition from an upper division institution to a four-year school. In addition, Professor Wright discusses the impact of COVID-19 on teaching methods and highlights the university's resilience and adaptability. He expresses his deep appreciation for his time at the University of Baltimore and his optimism about its success in the future.
Interview with Larry Thomas
The interview was conducted as part of the University of Baltimore Stories: 100th Anniversary Oral History Project, directed by the Special Collections and Archives department at the University of Baltimore's RLB Library. It was conducted via Zoom application by Elizabeth Epps on June 8, 2023. The interviewee is Larry Thomas, a professor at the University of Baltimore who has held significant roles in public administration. He taught administrative law and regulatory policy. He served as director of the Schaefer Center for Public Policy for 17 years and Dean of both the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Public Affairs.
In this interview, Thomas discusses what influenced his career choices and his education at Fairmont State College, West Virginia University, and the University of Tennessee. He also speaks on what he learned in his early years as a teacher, as well as his experience serving as Dean of both the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Public and International Affairs. Thomas also shares stories about his relationships with colleagues and students, the changes that the University of Baltimore has gone through, and what it takes to be a good listener.