The Department of Sociology and Criminology & Law is proud to announce that Dr. Autumn McClellan has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Faculty Award for the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. This accolade is a testament to Dr. McClellan’s exceptional dedication to her students and her significant contributions to the field of sociology.
Dr. McClellan teaches a variety of courses, including Principles of Sociology, Methods of Social Research, Sociological Data Analysis, and the Research Experience—a unique course she developed to provide undergraduate students with hands-on research experience. Under Dr. McClellan’s mentorship, her Research Experience students have consistently won awards for their research and conference presentation skills, demonstrating the high caliber of their work and her effective guidance. Her role as an advisor on numerous undergraduate Senior Theses further highlights her dedication to fostering independent research and helping students explore topics of their own interest.
In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Dr. McClellan is an active advisor for several student organizations. She serves as the faculty advisor for Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD), the international sociology honors society, where she is heavily involved in providing both social and professional development activities for students. She has also served as the advisor to the Student/Farmworker Alliance and the Gator Juggling Club, demonstrating her commitment to supporting a diverse range of student interests.
“[Dr. McClellan’s] nomination was among several that we received, and the selection process was highly competitive,” said Raeland Mitchell, President Elect of the CLAS Student Council. Mitchell went on to say that Dr. McClellan’s commitment to teaching excellence and student success is truly admirable, and have made a significant impact on students’ time at the University of Florida. “[Her] commitment to teaching and excellence has been noticed and valued by students and colleagues alike.”
The 2024 Faculty Award includes a commemorative plaque that will serve as a lasting reminder of Dr. McClellan’s commitment to teaching and excellence. This honor reflects her outstanding achievements and unwavering dedication to providing the best education possible for her students.