Letter from wsa president
February 4, 2022
Greetings,
As we open into a new year, I thought I would take this opportunity to share some of the changes happening at WSA and, now serving as the new president, introduce myself!
Previously, I held the President-elect position and before that, I served on various WSA committees for several years. One of my first memories of WSA was chairing the student paper competition. I had just moved to Wisconsin, taking a position at UW-Stevens Point, and was struck by the enthusiasm, caliber of work, and collegiality of those participating with our association. The culture of professionalism and encouragement was and still is palpable and continues to justify, in part, my reason to serve as a Wisconsin sociologist.
I’m in my 9th year at Point, now an Associate Professor of Sociology in a joint department with Social Work. I manage our sociology internship program and serve as IRB chairperson for the university. It has been imperative that in each of these roles, I keep the student-faculty collaboration front and center. My passion has always been in the classroom and taking that ‘heady stuff’ out into the world with students. One of my proudest accomplishments has been facilitating an applied experience with students and community partners in Chicago every April around themes of environmental justice, gentrification, and social change.
I aim to bring the same vigor to the role of WSA President as well. And I am not alone! The WSA executive board maintains a robust group of individuals. Aleks Snowden (Marquette) will conclude a dedicated term as Secretary. Leda Kanellakou (UW-Whitewater) will move into the role of Website Manager and really all things communication. I welcome Michael Friedson (UW-Whitewater) as the new Treasurer and Maggie Bohm-Jordan (UW-Stevens Point) as the new journal Editor of our esteemed Sociological Imagination. Finally, I would share my gratitude and appreciation to Rich Wallace (UW-River Falls) for serving in the Past President position. His service as President is truly a model for myself and I am thankful that his continued support maintains a seamless transition.
I remain optimistic for 2022. WSA has a new face online – thanks to Leda Kanellakou’s tireless efforts generating a new website. The Sociological Imagination continues to present content that is both powerful and profound for our discipline. And while our virtual conferences have been highly successful these past two years, I am hopeful that this year we’ll be able to move forward as planned and meet in-person at UW-Stevens Point. Eager to host for three years now, we’re ready to receive you this fall!
Here’s to a fabulous year ahead.
David M. Barry, Ph.D.
President
Wisconsin Sociological Association