William Martin, Ph.D., is the Harry and Hazel Chavanne SeniorFellow in Religion and Public Policy at the Baker Institute and the ChavanneEmeritus Professor of Sociology at Rice University. He also directs theinstitute’s Drug Policy Program. His areas of research and writing focus on twomajor sets of issues: 1) the political implications of religion, particularlyfundamentalist religions and the importance of the separation of religion andgovernment, or “church and state”; and 2) ways to reduce the harms associatedwith both drug abuse and drug policy. A prolific writer, Martin’s articles, most of which deal withaspects of religion, have appeared in such publications as Texas Monthly, TheAtlantic Monthly, Harper’s and Esquire, as well as in professional journals.His book “A Prophet with Honor: The Billy Graham Story” is regarded as theauthoritative biography of Billy Graham. Another of his books, “With God on OurSide: The Rise of the Religious Right in America” (Broadway Books 1996; updated2005), was the companion volume to a six-hour documentary PBS miniseries of thesame name. He is also a frequent guest on national and local news anddiscussion programs. During his 45 years at Rice University, Martin has receivednumerous teaching awards, including a Lifetime Award for Excellence inTeaching. He taught courses on Sociology, Sociology of Religion, Criminal Justice Systems,Popular Culture and American Social Problems. In addition to teaching awards, Martin received the Meritorious ServiceAward from the Rice Alumni Association in 2001, recognizing his contributionsoutside the classroom, and the Student Association Mentor Award from RiceUniversity in 1999, for his care and thoughtful role in advising students. Hiswriting has also received much recognition, including these awards for theoriginal version of “A Prophet with Honor“: o “TenBest Biographies of Religious Figures in the 20th Century,” Christian ReaderMagazine, 2000 o ChristianityToday Critic's Choice Award for best book in category, Biography and History,1992 o Finalist,Biography of the Year, Los Angeles Times Book Review, 1992 Otherbooks by Martin include “Christians in Conflict,” Chicago: Center for theScientific Study of Religion, 1972; “Studies in Religion and Society” (in monographseries) A study of the clergy of Rochester, New York, in the conflict betweenEastman Kodak and the Alinsky-organized FIGHT; and “These Were God’s People: ALayman’s Bible History,” Southwestern Company, 1966. Anative Texan, Martin received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Abilene(Texas) Christian University, then spent the next few years in the Boston areaearning a Bachelor’s of Divinity degree from Harvard Divinity School and aPh.D. from Harvard University in 1969. He returned to Texas and began teachingat Rice University shortly thereafter. Martin has been married to Patricia Summerlin Martin,Ph.D., since 1957, and they have three adult children and nine grandchildren.They continue to reside in the Houston area