Sociology department welcomes new members to AKD honor society

The USCA College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences hosted a special ceremony on to celebrate the newest inductees into the Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD) Sociology Honor Society.

“AKD seeks to acknowledge and promote excellence in the scholarship of sociology, the research of social problems, and other activities that advance the improvement of the human condition,” said Dr. Melencia Johnson, advisor for USCA Alpha Kappa Delta Chapter, during the ceremony on Nov. 19.

AKD members gain access to several opportunities, including scholarships, travel grants, conferences and networking events. Several students and faculty were also recognized for their outstanding research, leadership and academic achievements.

Among the inductees was Kylie Burns, a double major in communication and sociology with a concentration in criminology/criminal justice. Burns was awarded the Sandy Rogers and Scotty Richardson Memorial Scholarship, becoming the second recipient since the scholarship was established in 2024.

“It has already begun to assist me in my current endeavors by helping with financial needs and allowing me to focus on my coursework,” Burns said. “I believe this support will help shape my future, which is ultimately determined by my performance as an undergraduate.”

As she prepares for her graduation in Spring 2026, Burns shared her gratitude for being inducted into AKD and the potential opportunities the honor society provides.

The ceremony also highlighted student research projects presented at the Mid-South Sociological Association Conference. Burns’s project, Exploring Religious Subcultures, ties closely to her minor in African American Studies.

“I chose this topic because I believe it’s important to examine the effects that labels can have on individuals,” she said. “For this project, I mainly looked at how language used to describe certain groups can prompt different attitudes.”

Fall 2025 Inductees:

Lucius Brown: Senior, Sociology
Kylie Burns: Senior, Sociology and Communication – Minor, African American Studies
Emilee Byrd: Senior, Sociology – Minor, Spanish Translation/Interpretation
Ashley Peters: Junior, Sociology – Minor, Business
Alexa Rogers: Junior, Psychology – Minor, Criminology & Criminal Justice
Kyler Slagle: Junior, Psychology – Minor, Sociology
Benjamin Weeks: Senior, Sociology – Minor, Political Science

For more information, contact us at news@usca.edu.