Karen Polonko, University Professor of sociology and criminal justice at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, died late last month at her home in Norfolk. She was 66 years old and had suffered from pancreatic cancer.
Dr. Polonko joined the faculty at Old Dominion University in 1983 and was named University Professor in 1991. Two years later, she was named the Virginia Professor of the Year by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education.
Professor Polonko received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Manhattanville College in Purchase, New York, and a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in sociology from Indiana University.