SCJA has several awards that recognize the outstanding contributions of our members, especially our student members. All nominations and supporting materials must be submitted via email to the respective committee chair by midnight on the deadline date. Please ensure Dr. Ben Stickle, 2nd Vice President, is also copied at ben.stickle@mtsu.edu.
Outstanding Student Awards
Submission Deadline July 7, 2025
SCJA recognizes exemplary student achievement through four awards. Eligibility for each award is limited to students currently enrolled (or graduates who were enrolled through May 2025) in schools within the Southern region. Each nomination must contain a description of the nominee’s accomplishments in areas such as scholarship, leadership, and public service. The nomination should include the nominee’s grade point average and additional information sufficient to answer the following question: “In what ways has this student contributed to his/her academic program, college and/or community?”
Tom Barker Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award1
Committee Chair: Dr. Dave May (dmay@soc.msstate.edu)
Outstanding Masters Student1,2
Committee Chair: Dr. McKenzie Jossie (mjossie@lsu.edu)
Outstanding Doctoral Student1,2
Committee Chair: Dr. John Boman (jboman@bgsu.edu)
Outstanding Student Poster Award1,3
Committee Chair: Dr. Jeff Smith (23jsmith@gmail.com)
Student and Untenured Faculty Travel Award
Submission Deadline July 28, 2025
Committee Chair: Dr. Tasha Youstin
SCJA has set aside funds for a number of students (undergraduate and graduate students are eligible) and untenured faculty to receive a two-night stay at the conference hotel. Preference will be given to applicants currently enrolled in schools within the Southern region. All applicants must be 1) current members of SCJA at the time of application, 2) lead author on a paper or poster at the conference (it is okay if you have not submitted your paper yet), and 3) available to stay for two nights at the conference hotel. Applicants will be asked to demonstrate the need for travel funds and how attending the conference and presenting their research will enhance their careers and professional development in 250 words or less. Use this form to submit your award application.
Outstanding Educator Award
Submission Deadline July 7, 2025
Committee Chair: Dr. Jeff Walker (jeffw@uab.edu)
This award recognizes one criminal justice educator for outstanding academic achievement in teaching, research, and service. The recipient of the award is selected on the basis of overall contributions to higher education in criminal justice. Nominees must be members in good standing of SCJA. Nominations should include the nominee’s Curriculum Vitae and supportive letters. The winner will receive a lifetime membership to the association.
Outstanding Professional Award
Submission Deadline July 7, 2025
Committee Chair: Dr. Fred Williams (frederick.williams1@kysu.edu)
This award recognizes a practitioner in the field of criminal justice for outstanding contributions. Nominees must currently serve in a criminal justice-related position within the Southern region. Nominations should include a nomination letter detailing the nominee’s record of achievement and the nominee’s resume. The winner will receive an honorarium to attend the conference.
1: Student award winners receive a travel stipend and must attend the conference to claim the funds.
2: Master & Doctoral awardees receive a free 3-year membership, which may upgrade to a lifetime membership by paying the difference.
3: Poster competition does not require nominations. Students must register as the lead author (faculty co-authors allowed) and present at the
conference. Two winners will each receive $500.