Leslie Hossfeld, PhD

Dr. Leslie Hossfeld was named Dean of the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences at Clemson University (CBSHS) in July 2018 where she has worked to create the Building Healthy Communities initiative for CBSHS that brings together the college’s seven disciplines to address critical needs in the 46 counties of South Carolina through research, teaching and service, and the land grant mission. Dean Hossfeld has prioritized research ascension for the college increasing research awards from $4 million in 2018 to $20 million in 2023.

Prior to joining Clemson University, Dr. Hossfeld was Professor and Head of the Department of Sociology, Criminology and Social Work at Mississippi State University (MSU) leading interdisciplinary research focused on improving the lives of rural Mississippians.  Before joining MSU she was Professor and Chair of the Department of Sociology and Criminology at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington where she worked extensively in rural economic development serving on several national and state economic development boards, and in
elected national leadership positions in the profession. She has also made more than 150 research presentations in various national and international conferences in addition to over 80 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, books, technical reports, white papers, and research briefs. She maintains an active research portfolio focused on community and economic development, food and nutrition security, and rural health disparities.