Scholarship award presented to MSU Sociology Associate Professor, Dr. Sarah Prior

MSU Sociology Associate Professor Sarah Prior is the winner of the 2026 Charles Horton Cooley Award for Distinguished Scholarship by the Michigan Sociological Association. 

The award was presented to Dr. Prior by fellow MSU Sociology faculty, Dr. Jodi Yelinek who is currently the president of MSA. The Cooley Award recognizes distinguished contributions to sociological scholarship. 

“ Sarah’s current work investigates the institutional culpability and institutional betrayal in issues related to campus sexual violence as well as campus sexual culture more broadly.  In addition to her work on gender-based violence, Sarah is also cultivating a research agenda that investigates the sociology of joy, specifically joy and leadership. Her work is interdisciplinary in nature and seeks to create social change at the personal, institutional, and societal levels.  As a teaching-scholar, Sarah focuses on strong and inclusive pedagogy,” Yelinek said. 

The presentation took place during the MSA Fall 2026 Conference “Sociology in Michigan: Understanding Society and Shaping the Future” at Grand Valley State University earlier this month. 

” It is such an honor to be recognized for my scholarship. Work on gender-based violence, and campus sexual violence more specifically is relevant and important. And what a joy to be presented the award by an incredible colleague! ” Prior said.