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SCJA is officially issuing our annual call for award nominations. All nominations and supporting materials (described below per award) should be submitted via email to the respective committee chair by Midnight on the deadline date. Please also copy the 2nd Vice President Jim Hawdon at hawdonj@vt.edu. Note: Current SCJA officers are not eligible for awards.
Outstanding Student Awards
Submission Deadline July 1, 2026
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. Abby Novak (anovak@olemiss.edu)
Outstanding Masters Student1,2
Committee Chair: Dr. Ashley Riechelmann (avr@vt.edu)
Outstanding Doctoral Student1,2
Committee Chair: Dr. Matthew Costello (mjcoste@clemson.edu)
Outstanding Student Poster Award1,3
Committee Chair: Dr. Kristina Lopez-Smith (Kristina.lopez@unf.edu)
Student and Untenured Faculty Travel Award
Submission Deadline June 24, 2026
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’s 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. Submit applications for the travel award using this submission portal.
Committee Chair: Dr. Richard Stringer (rstring7@kennesaw.edu)
Outstanding Educator Award
Submission Deadline July 1, 2026
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 Vita and supportive letters. The winner will receive a lifetime membership to the association.
Committee Chair: Dr. John Stogner (johnstogner@charlotte.edu)
Outstanding Professional Award: Submission Deadline July 1, 2026
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 nominating letter detailing the nominee’s record of achievement and the nominee’s resume. The winner will receive an honorarium to attend the conference.
Committee Chair: Dr. John Sloan (prof@uab.edu)
Notes:
1: Student winners receive a financial stipend to defray cost of travel. They must attend the conference to receive these funds.
2: Masters and Doctoral student awards include a free 3-year membership in addition to the stipend. Winners may pay the difference between the 3-year and lifetime membership rate if they wish to upgrade to a lifetime membership.
3: Nominations are not necessary for the poster competition. Students must register as the lead author (faculty co-authors are acceptable) and then present the poster at the conference. Posters are judged at the conference and the committee will select 2 winners. Each will be awarded $500.
See also:
Award descriptions
Last year’s winners
Past recipients