Association of Social and Behavioral Scientists

              ~ Founded in 1935 as the Association of Social Science Teachers ~

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Here's More About the Association!

The Association of Social and Behavioral Scientists, Inc., a professional organization of scholars in the academy, was founded in 1935 by the late Dr. Theophilus E. McKinney who was Dean of Johnson C. Smith College (now a University), Charlotte, North Carolina. The group began as the Association for Social Science Teachers.

Since its inception, the nation and world have undergone tremendous changes and alterations. The Association of Social and Behavioral Scientists remains in the forefront of creative thought in the social and behavioral sciences.

Purpose of the Organization

The organization provides opportunities for scholars to engage in the exchange of ideas, information, thought, and theory. Annually, social scientists from historically Black colleges and universities, who are actively engaged in teaching and utilizing social scientific knowledge, come together and discuss ways to improve the national status of societal conditions.

Membership

While the majority of the Association’s membership remains social and behavioral scientists, it is open to scholars from all academic disciplines and ethnicities. The Association offers two types of membership. The first is regular membership which may be obtained and continued with annual payments of $25.00. The second, life membership which is optional and consists of three levels, may be obtained at $500 for regular life, $1000 for silver life, and $1500 for gold life. Interested individuals may obtain regular membership and, if desired, progress to any of the life membership levels by making successive annual payments of $100.

Sponsored Activities

The Association sponsors a conference during the spring of each year. It offers a forum for members and participants to share research findings, curriculum revisions, and other concerns. During the annual conference, the organization presents the W. E. B. DuBois Award, the Marguerite Rogers Howie Distinguished Service Award, and the Theophilus E. McKinney Award for Student Research. Additionally, the Association publishes the Journal of Social and Behavioral Sciences and the ASBS Newsletter. As a scholarly organization, the ASBS continues to provide a forum for the exploration of pertinent issues related to minority communities in America and annually adopts a contemporary theme to reflect this.

The W. E. B. DuBois Award

The W. E. B. DuBois Award was established by the Association of Social and Behavioral Scientists to honor an outstanding social or behavioral scientist or civic leader who has made significant contributions which facilitate a greater knowledge and understanding of African-Americans and their plights.  Past DuBois Award recipients have included prominent scholars, community leaders, and governmental representatives whose contributions reflect the prolific scholarly and political contributions of DuBois.

DuBois was an innovative, creative, and critical thinking scholar.  He participated in the Association’s early meetings.  His participation and appearances were a part of his dedication to an intellectual life which spanned several generations.

The life of DuBois as a scholar and activist provides an inspiring example for young scholars. He was a staunch defender of civil rights who challenged the persistence of the American racial dilemma. It was his exceptional example which led ASBS to establish this award in his honor.

The Theophilus E. McKinney Award

The Theophilus E. McKinney Undergraduate Student Research Competition, named to honor the organization’s founder, resulted from the ASBS’ desire to involve college and university students. Initially, the competition only included students from the social science discipline. However, currently, students from the behavioral sciences participate. Students compete for first, second, or third place awards in the annual event.

Thus, the intent of introducing ASBS to college and university students is to satisfy a fourfold goal.  First, students will be teamed with and mentored by nationally recognized scholars. Second, they will be encouraged to study and to conduct research. Third, they will pursue terminal degrees.  Finally, they will continue their affiliation with ASBS.

The Marguerite Rogers Howie Distinguished Service Award

In 2002, ASBS instituted the Marguerite Rogers Howie Distinguished Service Award. It was initiated to commemorate and to recognize the length and quality of service given by the late Professor Marguerite Rogers Howie, who was a member of the Association for more than 40 years.  Howie conceptualized, proposed, and instituted the Theophilus E. McKinney Undergraduate Student Research Competition; established the Life Membership category of organization affiliation; and served as Executive Secretary of the Association for many years.

Each year, through its W. E. B. DuBois Award Committee, ASBS identifies and recognizes a member who has made outstanding contributions to the organization.  These contributions are evaluated by the level of service, leadership, and commitment to the organization in the likeness of Professor Howie.  The award is made in conjunction with the Annual ASBS Spring Conference.

Membership Application

Persons interested in joining the Association of Social and Behavioral Scientists may download this information in a brochure format or an application form by clicking below:

ASBS Brochure

Application for Membership

For additional information, please contact:

Mary B. Myles, Ph.D.

 Executive Secretary, ASBS

Jackson State University

1400 Lynch Street, Post Office Box 17083

Jackson, Mississippi 39217-0183

Phone: (601) 979-2321, Fax: (601) 979-3390

Email: mtmyles@jsums.edu