SUNY Oswego political science professor Allison Rank’s work on civic engagement recently earned the Barbara Burch Award from the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ American Democracy Project (ADP).
The selection committee was impressed with “her work in deepening democratic ideals and civic engagement into the SUNY Oswego campus structure,” wrote Cathy Copeland, director of the American Democracy Project. “Her personal drive to serve the greater good and to create avenues of opportunity for students is admirably displayed through her efforts to … create and sustain Vote Oswego, and advance the scholarship on political engagement, among her many other impressive contributions.”
The award recognizes exemplary faculty leadership in advancing the civic learning of undergraduates. ADP has seen Rank’s skills and continued professional development first-hand, as she serves on its steering committee and as an ADP Civic Fellow, and previously on its Civic Engagement Assessment Working Group.
In nearly a decade on SUNY Oswego’s campus, Rank “has reinvigorated the American politics curriculum and civic engagement on this campus,” Scott Furlong, SUNY Oswego’s provost and vice president for academic affairs, wrote in nominating Rank. “Allison is deeply committed to preparing civic leaders and has been successful because of how she brings together scholarship, teaching, and practice.”
Rank said she was very flattered by this award, given its level of prestige.
“I think of the Burch award going to faculty on campus who have established something quite substantial,” Rank said. “I think we’re working toward it. There’s so much more that I want to do and can do to support SUNY Oswego.”
She had previously won the organization’s John Saltmarsh Award for Emerging Leaders in Civic Engagement in 2019. “For them to see that I’m not only continuing the work but having more of a presence in this work is very gratifying,” Rank said.
