Kathryn Bond Stockton Recognized with Distinguished Service Award

Kathryn Bond Stockton, Distinguished Professor of English in the College of Humanities, has been recognized by the Utah Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters (UASAL) with the Distinguished Service Award. Stockton, whose research on queer theory, race, and racialized gender is lauded by academic and community audiences alike, has had a tremendous impact in Utah and beyond.

The Distinguished Service Award is granted to individuals, most often academics, for going to great lengths in “exceptional service to education or academic service to citizens in Utah.”

CoCo James, assistant professor (lecturer) in the LEAP Program of Undergraduate Studies, nominated Stockton for the award and agrees that she has gone above and beyond to educate the public not only within Utah but nationally. “She has and does go leagues beyond the call of duty in her service to higher education in general, queer students in particular, and the general public,” says James. “She is tireless and brave in her quest for compassionate coexistence. Minoritized students at the U of U are made safer by her steadfast and enthusiastic work on their behalf, and her tireless efforts extend across decades and even beyond our borders.”

Stockton, who has been teaching at the University of Utah for 38 years, is surprised by the award. "I'm so moved by the collective efforts in this state—especially by teachers in the Utah public schools and the many Utahns exercising curiosity—to provoke thoughtfulness, in all its senses. To be seen as part of this tender collective makes me exuberant."

The award will be presented at the plenary session of UASAL’s Annual Conference on Saturday, March 22nd, after which Stockton will deliver the O.C. Tanner keynote address, “I Was a Queer Child: What That Might Mean For You.” Anyone is welcome to attend the plenary session at 9:30 am in room 120 of the Fulton Library at Utah Valley University by registering as a guest. Guest registration includes lunch and an electronic copy of the fall issue of the Journal of the Utah Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Stockton on this honor!