J. John Palen J. John Palen is the author of a dozen books on sociology and is a Professor of Sociology at Virginia Commonwealth University where he has received the College of Humanities and Sciences Distinguished Scholar Award. In 1997 he was designated a Flbright Distinguished Scholar and has held the Fulbright Chair in North American Studies at the University of Calgary. He likes progressive jazz, hiking in the Blue Ridge, and exploring cities. Read More Read Less