The ESS Merit Award recognizes an ESS member’s exceptional achievement and a lifetime of scholarly contribution to the discipline and the profession. To submit a nomination for the ESS Merit Award, please send a letter of nomination and a copy of the nominee’s vita to the Committee Chair (Rayshawn Ray, rjray@umd.edu) by October 15, 2026. The letter of nomination should emphasize the significance of the nominee’s research and highlight service to the discipline of sociology. Please draw attention to specific contributions to ESS. Self-nominations are accepted. The ESS Merit Committee reserves the right to request follow up documents if deemed necessary. Nominated candidates will be considered for two consecutive years.

The 2026 Merit Award recipient is Dr. Theresa Morris, Texas A & M University

Committee Chair: Rayshawn Ray, rjray@umd.edu​