Keeping Sociology in Perspective: Roy Francis' Academic Odyssey.

This article focuses on achievements of sociologist Roy Francis. During a career that has spanned more than 40 years, Roy Francis has made substantial contributions to sociological teaching and research. Building on his experiences as a student, he holds dear the ideals of a liberal education and continues to search for new ways of transmitting those ideals in the face of changing social patterns. As prolific writer, Francis' books and papers often examine the proper relations between theory and research and explore the potential of symbolic interactionism as an epistemological framework. He has been active in sociology's professional affairs, especially in promoting visual sociology as a teaching and learning medium. Roy began to proselytize nationally for the establishment of several courses, and in so doing, became one of the pioneers of the field of visual sociology. His roles as a student, professor, administrator, and president of the Midwest Sociological Society round out a career that has encompassed all facets of modern scholarship.