The Department of Sociology at Mississippi State University is pleased to recognize two faculty members for their recent honors from the College of Arts & Sciences: Dr. Ashley Vancil-Leap, recipient of the Teaching Award in Social & Behavioral Sciences Dr. Dustin C. Brown, recipient of the Research Award in Social & Behavioral Sciences These awards highlight their commitment to excellence in teaching and research, as well as their meaningful contributions to the field of sociology. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and their impact on our students and academic community.
April 8, 2026
Undergraduate student Hannah Gjerde presented her original criminology research at the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences National Conference this spring, highlighting Mississippi State’s commitment to undergraduate research and academic excellence.
April 14, 2026
Congratulations to Ian Robertson, a senior Criminology major, on presenting his research at the Mississippi State University Summer Research Symposium. As a summer research assistant under the mentorship of Dr. Margaret Ralston and Dr. King, Ian examined how school disciplinary practices may influence long-term mental health outcomes. His research explored the lasting impacts of school punishment and contributes to a growing body of work focused on understanding how educational experiences shape well-being over time. The Department of Sociology is proud of Ian's dedication to research and his commitment to addressing important social issues through evidence-based inquiry. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement!
July 30, 2026
