Sociology professor receives Distinguished Contributions to Teaching Award

Over the course of a career spanning more than four decades at Central Michigan University, Sociology faculty member Mary Senter has helped shape the national conversation on what it means to teach sociology effectively and prepare students for meaningful careers.

To recognize her extraordinary and enduring impact on the teaching of sociology, the American Sociological Association chose Senter as recipient of their 2025 Distinguished Contributions to Teaching Award.

The ASA Selection Committee noted that she is a rare scholar whose influence extends far beyond her own institution—transforming how educators across the country approach pedagogy, assessment, curriculum, and applied sociology. 

Senter will receive her award during a ceremony at the ASA Annual Meeting next month in Chicago.

Senter first joined the faculty at CMU in August of 1978 and has served in numerous leadership roles throughout her career, including undergraduate and graduate professor, department chairperson, CLASS Assessment Coordinator, Director of the Center for Applied Research and Rural Studies (CARRS), President of the Faculty Association, Chair of the Academic Senate, and Interim Vice Provost for Academic Affairs.