Awards Committee

The Awards Committee administers procedures and arrangements for bestowal of awards by the Association. The Awards Committee establishes and maintains its own procedures and criteria for the bestowal of each of the various awards under its jurisdiction. The Awards Committee may, at its discretion, elect to by pass bestowal of any award in any interval during which, in its judgment, there is a shortage of meritorious nominations for that award.

Membership of the Awards Committee consists of six members of the Association. Members are appointed for a three conference/two year term. Each year two members end and two members begin their term.  Appointments are made by the Committee on Committees. While members of the Awards Committee may recommend prospective members to the Committee on Committees, they do not select their own committee members. They do, however, elect the committee’s chair who should be someone who will be a continuing and active member of the committee. The Chair serves for one year, but can be reelected.

Normally, the Awards Committee shall divide itself into subcommittees, such that at least one member, except the chair, shall serve as a Principal Judge for one of the Association’s awards and as Secondary Judge for another. Each subcommittee reports its recommendations for awards to the committee of the whole for consideration and ratification. If costs are incurred, such as for mailing of books, the PSA office will reimburse these; a receipt should be sent to the Executive Director. Alternative subcommittee arrangements may also be made at the discretion of the chair as required by the nature of the workload in a given year.

The Awards Committee may decide to keep nominations from a previous year in the next year’s pool. Other decisions, such as closing dates for nominations, rules for supporting documentation, criteria for the awards, etc. are made by majority vote at the annual meeting of the Awards Committee or by e-mail.

The Nominations Process:  in the Summer and Fall membership communication, the Executive Director will place an announcement of the awards, soliciting nominations from the Association’s members. In addition, the Executive Director will include an announcement of the awards in emails sent to members/etc. in the fall.

Nominations for Awards should be sent to awards@pacificsoc.org

2027 Awards:

The deadline for PSA Award Nominations is November 15, 2026. 

Where to send award nominations:

• Send nominations materials for the Distinguished Scholarship Award, Distinguished Contribution to Sociological Praxis Award, Distinguished Undergraduate Student Paper Award, and Distinguished Graduate Student Paper Award to awards@pacificsoc.org

• Send nominations materials for the Dean S. Dorn Distinguished Contributions to Teaching Award and the Early Career Award for Innovation in Teaching Sociology teaching.awards@pacificsoc.org

• Send nominations materials for the Social Conscience Award to social.conscience@pacificsoc.org

• Send nominations materials for the Distinguished Contributions to the Pacific Sociological Association Award to emeritus@pacificsoc.org

Available Awards for PSA 2027

The Distinguished Scholarship Award  - The Distinguished Scholarship Award is granted to sociologists from the Pacific region in recognition of major intellectual contributions embodied in a recently published book or series of at least three articles on a common theme. To be eligible for the 2027 award, a book or the most recent article in a series must have been published in 2025 or later. If a book has both a hardback and paperback copyright date and no significant changes have been made in the book between editions, the committee will consider the earlier copyright date as the one determining eligibility for the award. Nominations must be from individual members of the PSA; the Committee does not accept nominations from publishers. Edited books are not eligible for this award. The deadline for nominations is November 15, 2026. You will need to send three copies of the book; request mailing address when you submit nomination information. Send nominations to awards@pacificsoc.org .

Distinguished Contributions to the Pacific Sociological Association - This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions over a long period of time to the Pacific Sociological Association. The award is given to recognize a member’s contributions to the association and to honor a member who has been committed to maintaining and improving the PSA as a thriving and reputable regional association. To be eligible, at the time of nomination, a nominee must be a faculty member (full-time, part-time, emeritus or retired) or a practicing applied sociologist through the better part of their career. If the award is given posthumously, the nominee should have held one of the previous positions. A nominee must have made contributions to the PSA over a period of at least 10 years. Contributions should be consistently made during at least 10 years, but do not have to be made every year during that time. A nominee must be a member of the PSA at the time of nomination, unless the award is given posthumously. Any member of the PSA can nominate a candidate, including self nominations, by submitting to the Emeritus Committee: 1) a letter of nomination and 2) an up-to-date curriculum vitae of the nominee that lists only the candidate’s educational degrees, affiliated institutions, and specific contributions directly associated with the Pacific Sociological Association (see examples below). Supporting letters from PSA members are not required and are discouraged. The deadline for nominations is November 15, 2026. Send nominations to emeritus@pacificsoc.org.

The Dean S. Dorn Distinguished Contributions to Teaching Award - The Dean S. Dorn Distinguished Contributions to Teaching Award honors individuals whose distinctions as teachers have made a significant impact on how sociology is taught. It is typically given for contributions spanning several years or an entire career. Nominations for this award should be submitted in packet form and include the following information: 1) a summary statement of the nominee’s contributions to the teaching of sociology that may include, but is not limited to, honors and awards received by the nominee, publications or scholarly activity related to teaching/pedagogy, papers presented at national conferences on teaching/pedagogy, innovative approaches to teaching, a discussion of the nominee’s impact in disseminate knowledge, leadership in teaching, or mentoring students; 2) a current curriculum vitae; 3) a minimum of four letters of support — at least two from students and two from colleagues — including the nominator’s letter; and 4) other supporting documents as deemed relevant (optional). Prior nominees are encouraged to re-submit updated materials. For the 2027 cycle, this award will be given by the PSA Committee on Teaching; send nominations to teaching.awards@pacificsoc.org.

The Early Career Award for Innovation in Teaching Sociology - The Early Career Award for Innovation in Teaching Sociology is designed to honor and encourage the work of assistant professors (untenured), graduate student lecturers, and lecturer faculty. “Early career” is defined as fewer than seven years of teaching experience. This award recognizes innovative and creative approaches to teaching and/or mentoring that advance equity with historically excluded communities. This includes approaches that challenge structural and institutional barriers, particularly those faced by historically excluded communities, and/or improve diversity, inclusivity, and equity with students from said communities. Application Requirements: (A) Statement of Nomination written by a colleague or an applicant (self-nomination). This statement should define, describe, and demonstrate the following: a situational context revolving around inequality, an innovation in teaching sociology to intervene in said context, and innovation’s impact. (B) Two Letters of Support: At least one letter of support should be from a professional colleague, such as a staff member, a faculty member serving in an administrative role (e.g., department chair), or senior faculty member. It is encouraged that the second letter of suppport is authored by a student. (C) Current C.V. for the nominee. (D) Supplemental Material: Nominee or nominator should provide items that demonstrate (a) evidence of the innovation itself (e.g., examples of pedagogical practice, assignment) and (b) evidence of this innovation’s success in advancing equity (e.g., student evaluations, peer teaching evaluations). For the 2027 cycle, this award will be given by the PSA Committee on Teaching; send nominations to teaching.awards@pacificsoc.org.

The Distinguished Contribution to Sociological Praxis Award - The Distinguished Contribution to Sociological Praxis Award honors sociological work in the Pacific region (whether by an academic or non-academic), that has made a positive impact on social and organizational institutions, improved organizational performance, contributed to community betterment, and/or eased human suffering. Nominations for this award should be submitted in packet form and include the following information: 1) a nominating letter that provides an overview of the nominee’s distinguished praxis contributions, which should make clear how the nominee’s work has made a positive impact and how the contributions are above and beyond typical professional service; 2) a minimum of two letters of support from individuals having direct knowledge of the nominee’s contribution to sociological praxis; 3) supporting documents, examples of which include, but are not limited to, presentations at scholarly conferences, published articles, reports, media materials, community documents, or grant/contract proposals primarily authored by the nominee, that speak to this significant contribution. Prior nominees are encouraged to re-submit updated materials. Send nominations to awards@pacificsoc.org.

The Distinguished Contribution to Sociological Perspectives Award - Each year, the Distinguished Contribution to Sociological Perspectives Award honors an outstanding article published in the most recent volume of Sociological Perspectives. To be eligible, the article must be worthy of special recognition for outstanding scholarship and contribution to the discipline. For the 2027 award, the article must have been published in 2026. For the 2027 awards cycle, awardee will be selected by the PSA Publications Committee.

The Distinguished Undergraduate Student Paper Award - The Distinguished Undergraduate Student Paper Award recognizes an undergraduate student or students for a paper of high professional quality. This award includes a $200 honorarium. To be eligible a paper must be: 1) worthy of special recognition for outstanding scholarship; 2) written by an undergraduate student or students in the Pacific region; 3) written or substantially revised in the last year; 4) presented at the upcoming PSA annual conference; and 5) in article format (needs to meet the standards for a submission to Sociological Perspectives–maximum 10,000 words or 40 pages, inclusive of all figures and graphs). Nominations for the award must include a copy of the paper, an abstract, and a minimum of one letter of support. You are encouraged to resubmit your nomination, and please note that incomplete nominations will not be taken into consideration. Note: an individual faculty may nominate a maximum of 3 papers for this award. Send nominations to awards@pacificsoc.org.

The Distinguished Graduate Student Paper Award - The Distinguished Graduate Student Paper Award recognizes a graduate student or students for a paper of high professional quality. This award includes a $200 honorarium. To be eligible a paper must be: 1) worthy of special recognition for outstanding scholarship; 2) written by a graduate student or students in the Pacific region; 3) written in an article format, under review, or published in 2022 or later. 4) presented at the upcoming PSA annual conference; and 5) in article format (needs to meet the standards for a submission to Sociological Perspectives–maximum 10,000 words or 40 pages, inclusive of all figures and graphs). Nominations for the award must include a copy of the paper, an abstract, and a minimum of one letter of support. You are encouraged to resubmit your nomination, and please note that incomplete nominations will not be taken into consideration. Send nominations to awards@pacificsoc.org.

The Social Conscience Award - The Pacific Sociological Association’s Social Conscience Award is given to a worthy community-based organization located in the city in which the PSA Annual meeting is held — for 2027, this is Oakland, California. This is a monetary award and honors a community organization that is engaged in providing a much-needed social service in the community. The awardees will be selected by the Social Conscience Committee; send nominations to social.conscience@pacificsoc.org 

Awards Committee Members  The year following each name indicates the Annual Meeting at which that member completes their service. For example,those who have a (19) following their names complete their service at the end of the 2019 conference in Oakland.

2026-2027 Awards Committee

Raphael Mondesir (27) Seattle Pacific University

Jennifer Whitmer (27) CSU Stanislaus

Cierra Sorin (27) Fresno State University

Claudia Maria Lopez (26) CSU Long Beach

Past Committee Members ______________________________________________________________________________

2025-2026 Awards Committee

So-Jung Lim (26) Utah State University

Claudia Maria Lopez (26) CSU Long Beach

Raphael Mondesir (27) Seattle Pacific University

Jennifer Whitmer (27) CSU Stanislaus

Cierra Sorin (27) Fresno State University

2024-2025 Awards Committee Members

Maria Mora (25) CSU Stanislaus
Sojung Lim (25) Utah State University
Claudia Maria Lopez (25) CSU Long Beach

2023-2024 Awards Committee Members
Amy Lubitow (24) Portland State University
Chioun Lee (24) UC Riverside
Michael Cope (24) Brigham Young University
Maria Mora (25) CSU Stanislaus
Sojung Lim (25) Utah State University
Claudia Maria Lopez (25) CSU Long Beach

2022-2023 Awards Committee Members
Suzel Bozada-Deas (22) Sonoma State University
Hernan Ramirez (22) College of the Canyons
Minjeong Kim (23) San Digeo State University
Amy Lubitow (24) Portland State University, Chair
Chioun Lee (24) UC Riverside
Michael Cope (24) Brigham Young University

2021-2022 Awards Committee Members
Suzel Bozada-Deas (22) Sonoma State University, Co-Chair
Hernan Ramirez (22) College of the Canyons
Minjeong Kim (23) San Digeo State University, Co-Chair
Amy Lubitow (24) Portland State University
Chioun Lee (24) UC Riverside
Michael Cope (24) Brigham Young University

2020-2021 Awards Committee Members
Miriam Abelson (21) Portland State University, Co-Chair
Ethel Nicdao (21) CSU San Bernardino, Co-Chair
Suzel Bozada-Deas (22) Sonoma State University
Hernan Ramirez (22) College of the Canyons
beginning with 2021 award cycle:
Alice Gates (21) University of Portland
Minjeong Kim (23) San Digeo State University

2019-2020 Awards Committee Members:
Hyeyoung Woo (extended to 2020) Portland State University
Debora Paterniti (20) Sonoma State University, Co-Chair
Christina Sanchez Volatier (20) University of Western New Mexico
Miriam Abelson (21) Portland State University, Co-Chair
Ethel Nicdao (21) CSU San Bernardino

2018-19 Awards Committee Members:
Elizabeth Sowers (19, extended from 2018) CSU Channel Islands
Hyeyoung Woo (19) Portland State University, Co-Chair
Debora Paterniti (20) Sonoma State University, Co-Chair
Faye Wachs (19) Cal Poly Pomona
Christina Sanchez Volatier (20) University of Western New Mexico

2017-18 Awards Committee Members:
Augustine Kposowa, UC Riverside, Chair
Kelley Strawn, Willamette University
Susan Mannon, University of the Pacific
Elizabeth Sowers, CSU Channel Islands
Hyeyoung Woo, Portland State University
Faye Wachs, Cal Poly Pomona

2016-17 Awards Committee:
Augustine Kposowa (18) (Southern) Chair
Judy Hennessy (17)
Ester Carolina Apesoa-Varano (17)
Preston Rudy (17)
Kelley Strawn (18) (Northern)
Susan Mannon (18) (Central)
Elizabeth Sowers (18) (Southern)
Hyeyoung Woo (19) (Northern)
Faye Wachs (19) (Southern)

2015-16 Awards Committee
Elizabeth Essary Nelson (16) (Southern), Chair
Julie Shayne (16) University of Washington, Bothell (Northern)
Ester Carolina Apesoa-Varano (16) UC Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing (Central)
Marie Butler (16) Oxnard College (Southern)
Augustine Kposowa (17) UC Riverside (Southern)
Judy Hennessy Central Washington University
Preston Rudy San Jose State University

2014-15 Awards Committee
Elizabeth Essary Nelson  Pepperdine University, Chair
Preston Rudy  San Jose State University
Judith Hennessy  Central Washington University
Julie Shayne  University of Washington, Bothell
Ester Carolina Apesoa-Varano  UC Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing
Marie Butler  Oxnard College