Springtime in Sociology

The Department of Sociology enjoyed an eventful week April 12-16, as we near the close of the Spring 2021 semester.  Students from Dr. Bradley’s SOCY 495 Sociology of Hip Hop course participated in a Hip Hop Showcase at the 2^nd virtual and 30^th annual Radford University Student Engagement Forum, Tuesday and Thursday.

Tarrah Nida and LeeAnne Bryant-Doyle moderated the sessions which explored the 1970s origins of hip hop culture, examined the evolving culture, and sampled the music.

The forum is organized by the Office of Undergraduate Research & Scholarship (OURS), this year featuring more than 300 student presentations.

Another presenter at the Student Engagement Forum was Sociology major Bailey Graham.

Graham presented Wednesday about her Citizen-Leader SOCY 499 Internship with the Floyd Story Center at the Old Church Gallery, focusing on Floyd County migration under the guidance of Dr. Wagner. 

Another Sociology entry at the Forum was the Environmental Sociology Research sessions on Monday and Wednesday, under the guidance of Dr. Bodenhamer.  Presentation topics included recycling, climate change, waste management, water shortage, pipeline hazards, and energy sources.

Environmental Sociology Research

The Department of Sociology held its annual Graduation & Award Celebration on Zoom Wednesday evening.

The department celebrated Spring 2021 graduates, with an invitation to family and friends.  Also joining in was CHBS Dean Smith.  Admin extraordinaire Sidra organized the event and distributed party bags ahead of time so everyone could enjoy their party favors and treats together.

Student awardees included:

Kyra Brown – Outstanding Service in an Internship
Tarrah Nida – Outstanding Service in an Internship
Casey McClelland – Outstanding Service to the Department
Casey McClelland – Dr. Carole Seyfrit Award for Excellence in Research
Gabby Avalos – Dean’s Scholar

Thursday, the Sociology Department welcomed guest speaker Dr. Earl Wright II.

Wright, Professor of Sociology at Rhodes College, presented “Jim Crow Sociology: The Black & Southern Roots of Sociology.”

Wright spoke on Zoom to about 100 guests about the racist history of American sociology and Booker T. Washington’s role in the establishment of rural sociology while at Tuskegee Institute.  Here, Wright visits with Sociology faculty following his presentation.

Wright’s appearance was supported by the Alpha Kappa Delta International Sociology Honor Society, through an Anti-Racism Initiative Award procured by Dr. Bodenhamer.