Dr. James W. Longest Memorial Award for Social Science Research

The Longest Award, established by Mary Jack Wintle (Mrs. James W. Longest), honors the memory and outstanding personal and professional achievements of Dr. James W. Longest. It provides $2,000 to support doctoral dissertation research in the social sciences with potential benefits for small and/or disadvantaged communities. Candidacy tuition remission is granted for each of two semesters (if not covered by other tuition remission).

Dr. James W. Longest served on the research faculty of Cornell University for ten years before coming to the University of Maryland in 1967. Dr. Longest retired and became Professor Emeritus in 1990. He took great interest in assisting students, for whom he set high professional standards, and continued advising students until his death in November 1992. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Longest supported an interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving in the areas of community development and the delivery of services in rural areas.

Eligibility: Eligible students must be University of Maryland doctoral students who have reached candidacy by August 1, 2026.

Nomination Process: Departments/Programs may nominate ONE student for this award.  Nominations must be submitted to the Graduate School by noon on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.*

*Eligible students must contact their department for the department’s internal deadline.

AY 26-27 Guidelines and Nomination Cover Sheet

Award Recipients

2025       Rolonda Payne, Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership
2024       Bi’Anncha Andrews, Urban and Regional Planning and Design
2023       Gabrielle Cabrera Wy, Criminology and Criminal Justice
                  Tori Alexis Justin, Kinesiology
2022       Leah Bush, American Studies
2021       Ellen Platts, Anthropology
2020       Avery Hennigar, Human Development and Quantitative Methodology
2019       Ashley Pantaleao, Family Science
2018       Nabila Hijazi, English
2017       Robert Choflet, American Studies
2016       Ilyas Abukar, American Studies
2015       Terrance Wooten, American Studies
2014       Daniel Greene, American Studies
2013       Maria Vargas, American Studies
2012       Donald Brent, Counseling, Higher Education, and Special Education
2011       Ronald Mower, Kinesiology
2010       Justin Maher, American Studies
                  Sheri Pruitt, Economics
2009       Kirsten Crase, American Studies
2008       Jill Farrell, Criminology and Criminal Justice
2007       Ashley Southard, Family Science
2006       Emily Mann, Sociology