Awards and Endowment
The Awards and Endowment Committee is responsible for organizing and implementing the Society’s initiatives to recognize individuals whose diverse contributions have advanced rural sociology and improved the well-being of rural communities. Through the Endowment, the Society supports both scholarship and practical efforts aimed at enhancing the quality of rural life.
Committee Leadership
- Raeven Chandler, Chair
- Weston Eaton, Chair Elect
- Rachel Terman, Past-Chair
Committee Members
Terence Asitibasi
Hannah Hendricks
Annabel Ipsen
- Eric Larson
Sam Mindes
Shannon Monnat
- Vanessa Parks
Kathy Sexsmith
Development Committee
The Development Committee is concerned with the status and development of the profession of rural sociology in the areas of teaching, research and extension. It conducts studies and deliberations as directed by the council; and may also make independent recommendations to the council for the good of the society.
Committee Leadership:
- J. Arbuckle, Chair
- Matthew Brooks, Chair-Elect
- Paige Kelly, Past Chair
Committee Members
- John Green
Julie Keller
- Elizabeth Long-Meek
Shannon Monnat
Tim Slack
Ethics Committee
The Ethics Committee created the Code of Ethics which sets forth the principles and ethical standards that underlie RSS members’ professional responsibilities and conduct. These principles and standards should be used as guidelines when examining everyday professional activities. They constitute normative statements for RSS members and provide guidance on issues that RSS members may encounter in their professional work.
Committee Leadership:
- Leland Glenna, Chair
- Kathryn Brasier, Chair-Elect
- Andy Smolski, Past Chair
Committee Members
- Cassie Chambers
- Erin Gaede
Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion Committee (JEDI)
The JEDI Committee works to elevate the voices of underrepresented and marginalized scholars through recruitment, retention, professional development, and outreach – especially to scholars at minority-serving institutions; expand spaces of impact by fostering inclusive participation and building partnerships with organizations serving underrepresented communities; and protect academic freedom, particularly for scholars researching marginalized groups and using critical methodologies.
Committee Leadership:
- Leanne Avery, Chair
- Ian Carrillo, Chair-Elect
- Kevin Alejandrez, Past Chair
Nominations Committee
The Nomination Committee functions as an independent body, separate from the Council, to ensure a fair and transparent leadership selection process. Its primary responsibilities include identifying, vetting, and shortlisting qualified candidates for elected offices within the Society. The Committee actively solicits nominations from the membership to encourage broad participation and representation. It evaluates potential nominees based on their professional qualifications, contributions to rural sociology, and commitment to the Society’s mission. The final slate of candidates is presented to the membership for a vote, ensuring democratic governance and leadership renewal.
Committee Leadership:
- Eleanor Green, Chair
- Kelli Russell, Chair-Elect
Committee Members
Jessica Goldberger
Danielle Rhubart
- Andy Smolski
- Kaitlyn Spangler
Alex Theophilus
Program Committee
The Program Committee is responsible for planning and coordinating the program of events for the Society’s annual meeting. This includes developing the meeting theme, organizing plenary and breakout sessions, scheduling keynote speakers, and reviewing proposals for papers, panels, and workshops. The Committee works closely with other Society committees and members to ensure the program reflects current issues, research, and practices in rural sociology.
Committee Leadership:
- J. Tom Mueller, Co-Chair
- Jessica Schad, Co-Chair
Committee Members
- Sharon Adams
- Leanne Avery
- Ayse Aykildiz
- Suzanne Bevan
Edith-Marie Green
Shannon Monnat
Elizabeth Ransom
Jesse Shircliff
Publications Committee
The Publications Committee oversees the production of the Society’s official journal and all other sponsored publications. It is responsible for selecting editors—excluding the membership directory editor—subject to Council approval. The Society currently publishes Rural Sociology, its official peer-reviewed journal, and The Rural Sociologist, a quarterly newsletter.
Committee Leadership:
- David Peters, Chair
- Jeff Sharp, Chair-Elect
- Angie Carter, Past Chair
Committee Members
Ayse Akyildiz
Michael Cope
- Shannon Monnat
- Becky Schewe