We are deeply saddened to share the news that Ben Zablocki, Professor Emeritus of Sociology and beloved colleague, passed away on April 6 after a fifteen-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
Ben published widely on charismatic movements, cults and brainwashing, including his books The Joyful Community, Alienation and Charisma, and Misunderstanding Cults. He served on our faculty from 1977 to 2012, including a three-year term as graduate program director, followed by another three years as department chair.
But most importantly, Ben was a remarkably kind, thoughtful colleague and decent person.
We will miss him.
