Shawn Wick, assistant professor of sociology at Central College, has been elected president of the Iowa Sociological Association (ISA) for 2014-2015. Wick was selected by other sociology professors throughout the state, and he will be responsible for hosting the organization’s annual conference.
In May, Central’s department of sociology and anthropology will host the ISA conference on campus. Sociology faculty and students from across Iowa will attend, deliver presentations and receive awards. Last year, more than 100 participants attended the conference at Luther College.
In addition to showcasing student work, Wick said hosting this event will make it possible for Central students of all levels to participate. While upperclassmen have opportunities to present their work at the ISA gathering each year, Wick said first- and second-year students will have a unique chance to preview the payoff of hard work in their program by attending the conference.
For students who present, Wick said the conference is an invaluable opportunity to build confidence and gain valuable experience, which prepares them for graduate school and professional careers beyond Central. “Really, the centerpiece is to give our undergraduates opportunities to present what they’re doing,” Wick said.
Wick is now working with associate professor and ISA treasurer Dawn Reece, professor Jon Witt and others on Central’s campus to plan the event. In addition to research presentations, the conference will include a keynote presentation that will interest a broad campus and community audience.
