Award for Excellence in Scholarship, Teaching, or Leadership by Contingent Faculty
The Award for Excellence in Scholarship, Teaching, or Leadership by Contingent Faculty, sponsored by APSA’s Committee on the Status of Contingent Faculty in the Profession, recognizes scholars making significant contributions to political science without tenure-track support. In its second year, the award highlights three distinguished recipients.
Heather Pierce
Heather Pierce, Ph.D. (she/her) is a Lecturer IV at Rutgers University, focusing on comparative politics and international relations. Teaching courses in quantitative methods, governance, and global policy, her research on democratization appears in prominent journals.
Committee citation: Dr. Pierce has been an innovative and dedicated instructor for nine years at Rutgers, known for her active learning approach. She has extended her leadership to represent contingent faculty, becoming the first adjunct member on the Rutgers Board of Trustees and chair of the New Brunswick Faculty Council, advocating for improved faculty rights and job security.
Dirk Deam
Dirk Deam has been teaching at Iowa State University since 2000, offering courses in American Politics, Public Policy, and Law. His academic background includes a PhD in Political Science and JD in Law, enhancing his innovative teaching methods that incorporate Socratic dialogue and rigorous assignments.
Committee citation: Professor Deam is recognized for his commitment to undergraduate education and student mentorship, creating a sense of community within his classes and developing a popular and demanding curriculum. His contributions significantly impact the political science department and his students’ success.
Dale Mineshima-Lowe
Dale Mineshima-Lowe teaches at Parami University and is currently a visiting lecturer at Birkbeck, University of London. Her research addresses civic engagement and democracy, particularly focusing on liberal arts education and citizen activism.
Committee citation: Professor Mineshima-Lowe’s innovative online teaching approaches support students in Myanmar amidst challenging conditions. Her commitment extends beyond her classroom through leadership in APSA and mentorship across various networks, shaping participatory political science education.
Conclusion
These remarkable faculty embody the spirit, dedication, and innovation of contingent educators in the political science field, significantly contributing to their institutions and communities. Their achievements underline the importance of recognizing and supporting contingent faculty in advancing scholarship and teaching excellence.
