This award recognizes a lasting scholarly career, with particular emphasis on a ground-breaking contribution (e.g., book or series of articles) in the past 5 years. The award’s committee will consider both research in the area of corrections and sentencing and service to the Division. Recipients must have 8 or more years of post-doctoral experience. Nominations should include a nomination letter and the candidate’s curriculum vitae and should be submitted to Susan McNeeley, Distinguished Scholar Award chair, at susan.mcneeley@state.mn.us no later than August 31, 2025. Please place “Distinguished Scholar Award” in the subject line. 

Prior Distinguished Scholars:

2025Ryan Labrecque
2024David Pyrooz
2023Danielle Rudes
2022Brian Johnson
2021Valerie Jenness
2020Daniel Mears
2019Jodi Lane
2018Gaylene Armstrong
2017Not Awarded
2016John Wooldredge
2015Pamela K. Lattimore
2014Shawn Bushway
2013Faye S. Taxman
2012Jeffery Ulmer
2011Steven Belenko & Jim Byrne (Co-award recipients)
2010Susan Turner
2009Patricia Van Voorhis
2008Faye S. Taxman
2007John Hepburn
2006Cassia Spohn
2005Doris Mackenzie
2004Don Andrews
2003Todd Clear
2002Joan Petersilia
2001Michael Tonry