Empowering Students Through Sociology

Education is more than just knowledge—it’s power. For Dr. Codie Stone, that realization shaped his entire career. Growing up in a single-parent household with financial hardships, he saw education as a way out, a ticket to something bigger. He never imagined himself as a professor until he met educators who encouraged him to think critically, speak his mind, and see learning as a transformative force. Now, at PennWest’s California campus, he’s paying that forward.

Dr. Stone challenges his students to apply sociology beyond the classroom. He encourages them to think critically about the world around them, ask big questions, and connect theory to real life.

“You’re not just here to get a degree,” he tells them. “You’re here to learn how to shape the world around you.”

His courses are designed to be interactive, drawing from diverse perspectives and real-world issues to foster meaningful discussions.

One of his most memorable moments came when a senior business major told him, “I’ve never had a professor ask for my opinion like this before.” That moment reinforced Dr. Stone’s belief that education is about more than passing exams—it’s about empowering students to find their voice and their purpose.

Through his work at PennWest, Dr. Stone continues to create a space where students from all backgrounds feel seen, heard, and prepared to take on the world.

Listen to Dr. Stone's story on the Power of PennWest Podcast