Department of Sociology and Criminology Wins 2021 Ferritor Award

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The Department of Sociology and Criminology earned this year's Daniel E. Ferritor Award for Departmental Excellence in Teaching at the U of A, in recognition of the team's dedication to being a "student-ready department" that champions teaching excellence and inclusion.

The award, which includes $10,000 given to the department and a trophy, recognizes a department or unit on campus that best displays excellence in teaching for that academic year. The winner is determined by criteria such as how well the department or unit demonstrates sustained commitment to teaching excellence, faculty development and student success, in addition to how well it measures excellence in teaching and learning.

In its application, the department stressed its commitment to student success, including expanding work study and internship opportunities, fostering research projects, promoting career development and developing strategies to reach historically underserved students.

"Since the beginning of this millennium, the University of Arkansas has prioritized teaching and student success through different vision statements and initiatives," the application stated. "The steady and unwavering commitment of the Department of Sociology and Criminology to teaching excellence and student success extends beyond this millennium. We have always strived to be a student-ready department."

The application also pointed to the department's extensive evaluation efforts. They proactively seek feedback from students, conduct exit interviews and survey alumni, capturing data that helps drive departmental planning and faculty development.

Additionally, the department has strode to advance diversity and inclusion by offering trainings, integrating DE&I into the hiring process and forming a Diversity and Inclusion Committee to advise faculty.

"The Department of Sociology and Criminology is thrilled to receive the Ferritor Teaching Award," said Shauna Morimoto, department chair and associate professor. "This recognition honors our teaching at a moment when our mission to train students to think critically and sociologically about community, health, crime and the criminal justice system are of utmost importance. We are grateful for the recognition of our entire department, as all of us are deeply committed to teaching excellence, inclusivity and supporting our students in achieving success, whether students are enrolled in a large class of General Sociology or an intimate graduate seminar on Deviance."

Morimoto also thanked former chair Anna Zajicek and award committee chair Christopher Shields, in addition to the entire award committee, for their efforts in applying for the award.

"We received many strong applications from departments across campus this year, but the Department of Sociology and Criminology rose to the top because of their steadfast focus on serving our students," said Kathryn Sloan, vice provost for faculty affairs. "They exemplify the commitment to student success that we strive for here at the U of A, and all that commitment entails—including excellent teaching and learning and being an inclusive department where all students can succeed."

The accolade, which is given by the Office of the Provost and the Teaching Academy, was voted upon by a committee comprosed of four members of the academy and three faculty appointed by the provost. The award is funded by the Chancellor's Office.

The award is named in honor of former U of A Chancellor Daniel E. Ferritor, who was also a professor of sociology, in recognition of his longstanding commitment to students and faculty and his consistent support for excellence in teaching and learning at the U of A. The Teaching Academy, which was organized by Ferritor in 1988 and co-sponsors the award with the Provost's Office, seeks to advocate and represent teaching interests, promote and stimulate an environment of teaching and learning excellence, and encourage recognition and reward for exceptional teaching.