Excellence in Research — 2004

The Award for Excellence in Research recognizes outstanding research and scholarship by members of the faculty over a sustained number of years.

Scott South
In 20 years at the University, Professor Scott South has become one of the nation’s leading authorities on a wide range of sociology topics, including community and urban sociology, family sociology, race and ethnic relations, and crime and deviance. A full professor since 1994, South has served as director of graduate studies in the Department of Sociology (1989-1992) and as director of the Center for Social and Demographic Analysis since 2000.

South’s scholarship in his field has generated an impressive record of publications and research grants. He has written a book, 65 articles in peer-reviewed journals, and has published four book chapters. His work can be found in American Sociological Review, American Journal of Sociology, and Social Forces. South’s research has also received substantial funding, totaling more than $2 million from the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

“Not only does Scott do superb research himself, but he trains others to do so as well,” wrote Associate Professor of Sociology Nancy Denton. “An examination of the authors of the 29 papers he has written in the last 10 years reveals graduate student co-authors on 20 of them.”

“Scott South has for many years played a central role in the research training of graduate (and undergraduate) students in our department,” co-wrote Russell Ward, the department’s chair, and Distinguished Service Professor Glenna Spitze, in support of South. “Scott South is an extraordinarily productive scholar, whose publications place him at the top of his field nationally. He has been continuously funded with major grants from federal agencies for the past 15 years. He has served his profession and this University in ways that enhance research enterprise.”