Distinguished Career Award

Nomination Deadline: August 1, 2026

The Mid-South Sociological Association (MSSA) is pleased to invite nominations for the Distinguished Career Award, one of the Association’s highest honors recognizing exemplary achievement in the discipline of Sociology and meaningful contributions to the MSSA, particularly within our region.

The recipient will be honored at the MSSA Annual Meeting and presented with a commemorative plaque in recognition of their distinguished career.

Eligibility Criteria

Nominees should demonstrate:

    • A substantial and sustained career in Sociology, typically reflecting approximately twenty-five years of involvement in the discipline and the MSSA—representing the “autumn” of one’s professional journey.
    • Long-term commitment to the MSSA, including a minimum of ten years of membership and active engagement in the Association.
    • A distinguished record of contribution in at least two of the following three areas:
      • Teaching, administration, or professional practice: A career marked by excellence and impact in advancing sociological knowledge and education.
      • Research and scholarship: A significant body of work including publications, presentations, and other contributions to the sociological literature.
      • Service to the discipline and MSSA: Demonstrated leadership and engagement through committee work, organizational service, mentorship, conference participation, and efforts to involve students in the Association.

Nominees should have made broad, sustained, and impactful contributions that elevate the discipline of Sociology and bring distinction to the MSSA through their professional accomplishments and affiliation.

We encourage you to nominate colleagues whose careers reflect excellence, dedication, and service to Sociology and to the MSSA community.

Submission Details

Please submit one PDF file that includes:

    1. a nomination letter that addresses how the nominee meets the award criteria,
    2. the nominee’s curriculum vitae, and
    3. a summary of the nominee’s history with MSSA      

by August 1, 2026 to Dr. Melencia Johnson at melenciaj@usca.edu.