Professor Honored in Long Line of USU Sociology Researchers

LOGAN — Utah State University Sociology Professor Jessica D. Ulrich-Schad has been named the 2025 recipient of the William R. Freudenburg Award of Merit from the Rural Sociological Society. She was recently honored at the Natural Resources Research Interest Group business meeting in Salt Lake City.

Schad is a recognized scholar in environmental sociology nationally, but on a local scale she has become a go-to expert on the impact of tourism on Bear Lake and the social dynamics of natural-resource-based communities. According to colleagues, she is known for being an engaging mentor who helps students go on to win awards of their own.

The William R. Freudenburg Award of Merit honors scholars whose work has made a difference in the sociology of natural resources and the environment. It recognizes research and scholarship that have shifted thinking in the field and influenced practice beyond academia, including partnerships with agencies and organizations. Recipients are also recognized for their broader contributions, such as outreach, graduate student mentorship and teaching.

Kelly Wilson, an assistant professor at the University of Missouri and one of the Rural Sociological Society representatives to present Schad with the award, said: "Your scholarship and leadership in this field exemplify the spirit of this award, and your impact has been both significant and lasting. Moreover, the support and mentorship you provide to growing scholars has been invaluable. We are honored to recognize you with this well-deserved distinction."

In her nomination letter, USU Professor Courtney G. Flint said that Schad "is a tremendous collaborator, evidenced by the teams she works with and publishes with, and she is a great supporter of graduate students in their publishing pursuits."

Flint added: "In Utah, [Schad] has been integral to highlighting challenges in natural resource-based communities, with a focus on unconventional oil and gas extraction as well as the mental health challenges experienced in communities."

Schad, who also serves as the Community and Natural Resources Institute director, joins a long line of USU faculty members who have received the award. Previous recipients include Professor Emeritus Richard S. Krannich (1994), Professor Courtney G. Flint (2015) and Professor Emeritus Peggy Petrzelka (2022).

The Rural Sociological Society is a professional organization dedicated to advancing and sharing social science research. Its mission is to improve the well-being of rural people, communities, and environments in North America and beyond. For more information, visit https://ruralsociology.org/.