The College of Arts and Science and Women’s and Gender Studies recently announced Rebecca Scott, associate professor and director of undergraduate studies for the Department of Sociology, as one of two 2022 Alumnae Anniversary Award winners. She attended a dinner in her honor on March 15.

The award, presented to women of merit campus-wide for more than 50 years, requires two to four letters of nomination describing why their candidate for the award is deserving of such honor. At least one letter must come from a current MU student or recent alum. The award is for teaching excellence and/or other contributions to the education of women. The first Alumnae Anniversary Award was presented in 1970, the year the first female student was admitted to the university.

“Each year no more than one or two individuals are honored,” says Linda Reeder, chair of Women’s and Gender Studies and interim chair for the Department of History. “So, it is quite an honor to receive this award. It’s really amazing to see what women across the college and campus have done for their students.”

Reeder states it’s important to recognize the diversity and scope of the work that women do in mentoring and investing in their students.

Scott was surprised she received the honor. “I totally didn’t expect it,” Scott says. “I learned some of my students had nominated me for it, and I was really, really happy to hear that. I felt honored.”

Nominees Speak Out

PhD candidate Mel Constantine Miseo nominated Scott for the award, describing her as a supportive person who has helped ease Miseo’s teaching anxieties as well as coming out as a transgender person.

“In an academic world where we, namely cis (cisgender) women and TGNB (transgender/non-binary) are often taught to hide/suppress our feelings and anxieties for the purpose of ‘productivity’ or ‘professional advancement,’ I appreciated having Dr. Scott as a mentor who recognizes the unique pressures gender minorities are under and works to support the whole purpose.”

Scott has also been instrumental for PhD candidate Kandice Grossman during her time at Mizzou. As a graduate and academic professor for five years, Scott has been more than an advisor.

It is truly a treasure to have women faculty leaders like Dr. Scott who help prepare women for academic leadership, and I sincerely believe her efforts to do this are worthy of recognition. - Grossman

“In my dissertation research and writing process, she has guided me toward choices that bring greater quality and clarity to my work. She challenges me to continually question my own positionality and standpoint in ways that are stimulating and mind-opening. She genuinely takes a sincere interest in my life beyond my research and classwork, and we share a meaningful relationship, which I value deeply.

“As a ‘first-generation’ student, I am the first person and woman in my family to go to college and graduate school. I am also a single mother. I am keenly aware of the historical struggle women have endured and challenges women have triumphed to be in the position I am in today. It is truly a treasure to have women faculty leaders like Dr. Scott who help prepare women for academic leadership, and I sincerely believe her efforts to do this are worthy of recognition.”

Joan Hermsen, associate professor and director of graduate studies for the sociology department, says Scott not only actively helps students solve their problems, but also recognizes there are times when students need Scott to go the extra mile. She adds Scott is “deeply committed to diversity and inclusion at the University of Missouri” and “is an amazing mentor to students.”

“I sit on some of the same committees with Dr. Scott and know her to provide insightful, smart feedback on the research in a timely manner. In addition, she is a sounding board for the academic and personal challenges the students face without crossing professional boundaries,” says Hermsen. “Dr. Scott is a highly productive researcher, insightful teacher, skilled mentor, and thoughtful academic leader. Her contributions to teaching and the education of women are numerous.”

Answering ‘Big Questions’

Scott, who enjoys both teaching and research, says she likes to explore the “big questions” of the environment and the world. “My current research is about private property ownership and environmental destruction, especially around things such as eminent domain for pipelines and gas. I’m looking at natural gas pipeline construction in West Virginia.

“I think that the environment is one of the biggest questions out there. And I think it has a lot to do with social relations to social inequalities and gender, race, class … It has a lot to do with the way people treat each other and has a lot to do with the way we treat the environment. It’s a huge, important question.”

Her advice to other students who may want to follow in her footsteps: “Well, I guess if I say ‘don’t’ you can’t print that, right?” she laughs. “No, really it’s important for students to make sure they have a topic to research that they love because that will keep them motivated.”

Past award winners can be viewed here.