Melissa Powell-Williams
Professor
Academic Appointment(s)
Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
Department of Social Sciences
School of Public Health
Department of Institute for Public and Preventive Health
Administration
Department of Institute for Public and Preventive Health
Education
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Ph.D., Sociology
Southern Illinois University a, 2008
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MA, Sociology
Southern Illinois University a, 2005
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BA, Sociology
Southern Illinois University a, 2003
Awards & Honors
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Richard S. Wallace Distinguished Service Award
Augusta University, 2019
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Caught in the Act of Representing Values of AU--Inclusivity
Academic and Faculty Affairs, 2016
Courses Taught Most Recent Academic Year
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SOCI 1101H
Honors: Intro to Sociology: Honors: Intro. to Sociology
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SOSC 3003
Qualitative Analysis
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SOCI 3442
Identity and Social Change
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SOCI 4442
Gender & Society
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WGST 4442
Gender & Society
Teaching Interests
Gender, Research Methods, Qualitative Methods, Social Psychology, Identity and Social Change, and Introductory Courses.
Scholarship
Selected Recent Publications
- Preparing for medical school: How sociology helps pre-medical students prepare for the MCAT and beyond, 2023
Journal Article, Professional Journal
- Gender Gap: A Qualitative Study of Women and Leadership Acquisition in Anesthesiology, 2023
Journal Article, Academic Journal
- Effects of officer perception of race and racial tensions on support for body-worn-cameras, 2020
Journal Article, Academic Journal
- "GOD HATES YOUR FEELINGS”: Neutralizing Emotional Deviance within the Westboro Baptist Church”", 2017
Journal Article, Academic Journal
- Life in the Neither World: Identity Work as Relational Negotiation of Authenticity and Stigma Management for Biculturally Deaf Individuals Living Between Worlds, 2017
Journal Article, Academic Journal
Research Interests
Dr. Melissa Powell-Williams is a Professor in the Department of Social Sciences. Dr. Powell-Williams' primary interest includes identity work in the areas of social movements, subcultures, and organizations. She has published in the areas of domestic violence victim advocacy, the Deaf Culture Movement, and support for marriage equality. Current research projects include police perceptions of body worn cameras, race relations, and the media.
Department Service
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Department of Social Sciences Honors Ceremony
2022 - Present
Role: Committee Chair
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Promotion and Tenure Committee
2022 - Present
Role: Other
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Sociology Curriculum Committee
2013 - Present
Role: Committee Chair
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Sociology Curriculum Committee
2010 - Present
Role: Committee Chair
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Social Work Director Search Committee
2018 - 2019
Role: Committee Chair
College Service
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Pamplin Faculty Development and Research
- 2017
Role: Other
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Pamplin Faculty
2015 - 2017
Role: Committee Chair
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Faculty Council
2013 - 2017
Role: Committee Member
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Faculty Council
2012 - 2017
Role: Committee Member
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Faculty Rights and Responsibilities
2013 - 2015
Role: Committee Member
University Service
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Qualitative Research Lab (Core)
2022 - Present
Role: Program Coordinator
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Faculty Rights and Responsibilities--Core Team
2021 - Present
Role: Committee Member
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Women's and Gender Studies Committee
2008 - Present
Role: Committee Member
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Faculty Rights and Responsibilities
2019 - 2022
Role: Committee Member
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Center for Social Science Research
2022
Role: Workshop Organizer
Professional Service
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Deviant Behavior
2017 - Present
Role: Editor, Associate Editor
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Alpha Kappa Delta Honors Society
2010 - Present
Role: Other
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Mid-South Sociological Association
2014 - 2016
Role: Committee Chair
Public Service
