Reynolds College Blog

Sociology professor enjoys continued career successes

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Associate professor Dr. Alicia Walker of the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Gerontology has been enjoying a successful 2025.

First, Walker recently received the 2026 Sociology of Sexualities Early Career Award from the American Sociological Association.

The award honors an exceptional early career scholar whose contributions to the discipline and to the sociological study of sexualities are evident across scholarship, teaching, service and community-building, Walker said.

Nominated by four colleagues in the field, Walker added that she was “incredibly honored to receive this recognition.”

In addition, Walker will publish a new book this year that she co-wrote with Arielle Kuperberg. “Bound by BDSM: Unexpected Lessons in Building a Happier Life,” is, based on the largest-ever study of BDSM practitioners. The book uses in-depth interviews to explore issues in consent, boundaries, communication and creativity.

Sociologist Dr. Alicia Walker elected co-chair of Council on Contemporary Families

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Missouri State University’s Dr. Alicia Walker is the new co-chair of the Council on Contemporary Families (CCF).

Walker, who is a sociologist and associate professor of sociology, will serve with Dr. Arielle Kuperberg, associate professor of sociology at University of Maryland-Baltimore County.

This three-year role offers Walker the opportunity to influence both academic and public discourses on family dynamics, gender roles and social policy.

“As co-chair, I’ll organize events and board meetings, oversee committees and help set strategic priorities for CCF,” Walker said.

Walker, an expert in the social construction of sexuality, researches how people understand themselves as sexual beings and navigate these aspects in everyday life. The appointment to CCF co-chair will enable her to expand on that research by engaging with a network of leading scholars and policymakers across the United States.

“This role is an honor and opportunity to broaden the impact of family research,” Walker said. “Our goal is to make complex research on families accessible and impactful, particularly in ways that bridge academic insights with public needs.”

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Sociology major Madeline Cope presents research on teacher attitudes

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Junior sociology major Madeline Cope’s first conference was more than just attending a few workshops.

She presented sociology professor Dr. Alicia Walker’s research on “martyrdom mentality” within the K-12 teaching profession at the Southern Sociological Society Annual Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana, April 3-6, 2024.

This was Cope’s first time to present at a conference.

“I have felt a range of emotions about presenting, from stress and anxiety to excitement and optimism,” she admitted. “After giving this presentation, however, I entirely feel the latter.”

Cope’s work on the project counts toward her completion of the sociology program’s Social Science Research Certificate. The certificate will facilitate her long-term career goal of becoming a professional social researcher.

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2024 Judy Awards honor excellence in the Reynolds College community

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Missouri State University’s Judith Enyeart Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (RCASH) continued its tradition of honoring the legacy of Judith Enyeart Reynolds with the Third Annual Judy Awards May 3, 2024.

The event, held at The Old Glass Place, celebrated the achievements of faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends within the RCASH community.

Dean Wahl stands at podium
Dean Shawn Wahl announces his selections for the Dean’s Judy Awards.

A special moment of the celebration included recognizing MSU President Clif Smart and Gail Smart and then Dr. George Connor, professor of political science. All three received the Dean’s Legacy Award from Dean Shawn Wahl. Smart is set to retire on June 30. The legacy leadership and work of each recipient will continue to make a difference in the lives of RCASH members for generations to come.

Christopher DePriest, Mark Templeton, and Rob and Sally Baird were each honored with the Dean’s Champion Award. All have diligently worked, often behind the scenes, to positively impact RCASH.

MSU Alum Austin Elliott accepted the Dean’s Alumnus Award on behalf of Locke and Stache, a production company located in Springfield, Missouri. Locke and Stache was recognized for their exceptional achievements in video production.

The award ceremony concluded with The School of Criminology and Criminal Justice receiving the Dean’s Award of Distinction for excellent performance as an academic unit over the past year.

Named in honor of Reynolds, a dedicated staff member and role model for many years in the Department of English, the Judy Awards cover a variety of contributions to the college, ranging from traditional awards in teaching, research, and service to those that recognize collaboration, inclusive engagement and efforts to highlight the pillars of the University’s public affairs mission.

Except for the dean’s awards category, winners were nominated either by their peers or self-nominated, then selected by representatives from each academic department serving on the Judy Awards Selection Committee.

Hosts Dr. Alan Tinkler, Dr. Aida Hass-Wisecup and Mary Lynne Golden announced the following winners of the 2024 Judy Awards.

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