Sociology Assistant Professor PJ Pettis selected to attend summer writing retreat

May 18, 2026 - Karessa Weir

Dr. PJ Pettis, Assistant Professor of Sociology, has been selected to participate in the 2026 Writer’s Mafungo summer writing retreat in Crystal Mountain.  

The Mafungo, which is Swahili for “retreat,” is operated by the Diversity Research Network at MSU.  The retreat begins Sunday May 31 and will last through June 3. 

Dr. Pettis will use his time at the retreat to work on a new research project examining the relationship between LGBTQ neighborhoods, community belonging, and health among sexual minority populations. 

“I am really excited to begin working on a project that examines the relationship between gay villages and health,” said Pettis. “The Diversity Research Network and the Mafungo retreat cultivate a supportive and intellectually engaging environment where scholars are able to connect across disciplines, build community, and dedicate focused time to advancing meaningful research. To be in a space with other faculty in a dedicated writing environment will be a wonderful opportunity to connect, revitalize my energy, and build new relationships while being amongst wonderful scholars and friends.” 

In addition to having time to write, participants take place in daily roundtables to offer supportive and challenging mentoring and peer mentoring sessions. They also have access to expert national consultants. This year, the consultants include Dr. Terah Venzant Chambers, Associate Dean of the MSU Graduate School; Dr. James E. Davis, Bernard C. Watson Chair at Temple University, and Helen A. Neville, Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Illinois. 

“This is a unique opportunity for MSU scholars whose scholarly endeavors emphasize a broad spectrum of communities to experience a welcoming, interdisciplinary and intense writing space,” reads the program description. “This experience is meant to provide a mutually supportive and challenging context away from campus and daily life, enabling unfettered but dense writing time.”