Barbara H. Vann received her Ph. D.in Sociology from the University of Arizona in 1987. At Loyola, she has been involved in creation of the Gender Studies minor, in diversity issues, and in service-learning. During her sabbatical year, she served as a member of SabbatiCorps, which provided the opportunity to work with an AmeriCorps Program in Baltimore City. She held the position of Faculty Associate in the Center for Values and Service during the 97/98 academic year. For a number of years she moderated The Women's Group at Beans and Bread, a support group for low-income women. Her teaching and research interests focus on the intersection of race, class, and gender. Her most recent work, funded by the Baltimore City Department of Social Services, was an evaluation of the STEP-UP Program, a construction apprenticeship program for public housing residents administered by the Housing Authority of Baltimore City. She is currently involved in the Urban Seminar at Loyola, and is teaching a course in the Alpha program.