Sociology Faculty Features

Hear from Department of Sociology faculty in personal updates, spotlighting their work and passions both at UND and across the nation.

Dr. Elizabeth Legerski

I am in my second year as Secretary of the Midwest Sociological Society (MSS). My responsibilities include taking minutes at quarterly Board meetings and monthly Executive committee meetings. In this role, I also Chair the Membership committee and serve on the Nominations & Elections committee. Being the Secretary gives me the chance to work with the MSS Presidents and Board members, who come from a wide range of institutions all across the region. There are nearly 900 members of the MSS and it’s been a great way to get to know other sociologists. I was first introduced to the MSS as a graduate student and I consider the MSS my professional home. I really enjoy the camaraderie that comes with serving on the Board and the opportunities it provides to promote sociology and network with students and scholars in our area who are genuinely interested in making the world a better place. I’ve been learning so much about what it takes to lead a large organization and the importance of putting our sociological values into practice. I love being a member of the MSS and am so grateful for the opportunities is has provided me.

Dr. Daniel Bartholomay

I am completing a three-year term as an At-Large Director on the Midwest Sociological Society Board of Directors, representing members who live outside the Midwest and helping guide how MSS can best serve its members and the profession in alignment with our mission and strategic plan. I also chair the Social Action Committee and previously chaired the Queer Engagement, Scholarship, and Teaching Committee. Much of my work within MSS focuses on strengthening our organization’s commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and belonging, especially for students and members from underrepresented groups. I pursued leadership in MSS because I believe representation matters, and that the organization should actively reflect and support the diverse communities it serves. As a queer, first-generation college student, it feels both humbling and empowering to take on leadership roles that allow me to advocate for social justice initiatives and help enact the kind of positive change I want to see in our organization and in the broader discipline. Through this work, I hope to contribute to an MSS culture where all members feel welcomed, supported, and able to thrive.