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Alpha Kappa Delta (The International Sociology Honor Society)

Alpha Kappa Delta seeks to acknowledge and promote excellence in sociological scholarship, research on social problems, and other social and intellectual activities seeking to improve the human condition.

Graduate Student Honors

Dr. Donald “Chip” Hastings Endowed Scholarship

This award is for an undergraduate Sociology major based on need, merit and strength of application. Preference will be given to students who are single parents. Awards will be granted by the Undergraduate Committee. To apply please email a 300-word personal statement describing how the scholarship will help further your academic goals to the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

$1000 for 1 recipient

Applications accepted spring semesters.

Gertrude Hurlbut Scholarship

This award is for advanced undergraduate students who are Sociology majors, can demonstrate financial need and have a 3.0 GPA or better. Preference will be given to advanced undergraduate students from Tennessee or the South. Awards will be granted by the Undergraduate Committee. To apply, please email a 300-word personal statement describing your financial need and how this scholarship will help further your academic goals to the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

• $500 for 1 recipient.

Applications accepted spring semesters.

Student Engagement & Leadership Award

Annual award for seniors majoring in sociology who demonstrate remarkable involvement in the community and a passion for tackling social problems based on sociological understandings. Candidates are nominated and selected by the sociology faculty. Awards are given at the end of the school year.

Outstanding Graduating Senior Awards

Annual award for seniors majoring in sociology who demonstrate academic excellence. Candidates are nominated and selected by the sociology faculty. Awards are given at the end of the school year.

University of Tennessee Torchbearer Award

The Torchbearer is the highest student honor conferred by the University of Tennessee. Torchbearers are Seniors who have served their Alma Mater with overall excellence. It is awarded for academic achievement and outstanding commitment to others as demonstrated by the student’s various activities and significant contributions to the University and the community. Students chosen for this award embody the Volunteer spirit, displaying initiative and service in the best interest of both the University and their fellow student. Recognition as a Torchbearer reminds all students that those who bear the Torch of Enlightenment shadow themselves to give light to others.

Below are previous Department of Sociology Torchbearers:

• Jahmai Mashack (2025, Sociology Minor)
• Jordan Brown (2023, Criminal Justice)
• Marira Urias (2021)
• Valerie King (2015)
• Eric Dixon (2014)