Department of Sociology

14/05/2026

🎓 Happy Graduation Day, Class of 2026! 🎓

Today we celebrate your hard work, resilience, and all the moments that brought you to this achievement. The future is brighter because of your passion, leadership, and determination.

Congratulations from the Department of Sociology at Mississippi State University — we cannot wait to see the impact you make in the world.

Hail State and forever proud! ❤️🤍

04/05/2026

As the semester comes to a close, we’re cheering on all of our students in the Mississippi State University Department of Sociology as you head into finals.

Sociology teaches us to see the world more clearly—to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and understand the systems that shape our lives and communities. That perspective matters now more than ever.

As you take on this final stretch, remember: your work, your voice, and your ability to think critically are needed. The world needs people who care, who analyze, and who strive to make a difference—and that’s exactly what you’re preparing to do.

Finish strong. We believe in you, and we’re proud of all you’ve accomplished this semester.

01/05/2026

🎉 Happy Retirement, Dr. David May! 🎉

After years of dedicated service to the Department of Sociology, we are proud to celebrate the retirement of Dr. David May.

Dr. May has made a lasting impact on our department, our students, and the field. Known for being always heard but rarely seen, he brought a unique presence to our halls—one filled with humor, insight, and a genuinely big heart.

His wit kept us laughing, and his commitment to students and colleagues never went unnoticed. He has shaped countless experiences behind the scenes, and his absence will certainly be felt.

Thank you, Dr. May, for everything you’ve given to this department. You will truly be missed.

Wishing you all the best in this next chapter!

20/04/2026

We are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of graduate students in the Mississippi State University Department of Sociology who recently presented their research at the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences national conference in March. 👏

🎓 Chandleigh Barton presented From Sentences to Sobriety: Education as Intervention, co-authored with David May, Angela Robertson, and Stacy Hoskins Haynes.

🎓 Julie Stepp presented Rural versus Urban: A Descriptive Analysis of Mississippi Law Enforcement, co-authored with Raymond Barranco.

Their research highlights the innovative and impactful work being done by our graduate students and faculty. Congratulations to Chandleigh and Julie for representing MSU Sociology on a national stage!

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7452001910263422977

14/04/2026

Undergraduate student Hannah Gjerde is making an impact! 👏

She recently presented her original research, “Disparities in Crime Representation: Analyzing Media Crime Portrayals in Mississippi News and Social Media,” at the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences national conference this March.

We’re proud to see her hard work recognized on a national stage!

👉 Learn more about Hannah’s research and her experience on the Mississippi State University Department of Sociology website:
https://www.sociology.msstate.edu/news/2026/04/undergraduate-student-presents-criminology-research-national-conference

09/04/2026

📚✨ Spring 2026 Academic Insight at MSU

The Department of Sociology, along with the Social Work Program, was excited to participate in Spring 2026 Academic Insight, welcoming prospective students and families to campus.

Faculty, staff, and students had the opportunity to connect with future Bulldogs, share program insights, and highlight the impact of sociology and social work at Mississippi State. Events like Academic Insight give students a closer look at their academic paths while building connections within the MSU community.

We loved meeting so many future students and can’t wait to see what’s ahead for them!

Learn more about Academic Insight:
https://www.admissions.msstate.edu/visit/academic-insight

Want to learn more? Check out our LinkedIn or visit our website.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/msu-sociology
https://www.sociology.msstate.edu/

25/03/2026

🎉 Celebrating Faculty Excellence!

The Department of Sociology at Mississippi State University is proud to recognize two outstanding faculty members for their achievements in the College of Arts & Sciences:

👏 Dr. Ashley Vancil-Leap — Teaching Award in Social & Behavioral Sciences
👏 Dr. Dustin C. Brown — Research Award in Social & Behavioral Sciences

These honors reflect their dedication to student success, impactful research, and the continued excellence of our department. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Vancil-Leap and Dr. Brown on this well-deserved recognition!

13/03/2026

The Social Work Program in Mississippi State University’s Department of Sociology is celebrating Social Work Month by recognizing student achievements, professional commitment, and the induction of new Phi Alpha Honor Society members. The event highlights the continued impact of MSU social work students and their dedication to serving communities across Mississippi and beyond.

Read the full story:

STARKVILLE, Miss.— Mississippi State University’s Department of Sociology will celebrate Social Work Month with a student-focused event Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. in Bowen Hall 260. The celebration will include the induction of the 2025–2026 Phi Alpha Honor Society members...

02/03/2026