Dr. Helen Eigenberg, professor and head of the UTC Department of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies, has been honored with a national award from the American Society of Criminology Division on Women and Crime.

Dr. Eigenberg is the first recipient of the Sarah Hall Award, named in honor of the “administrator of the American Society of Criminology for over 30 years, whose tireless service helped countless students and scholars in their careers.”   The award “recognizes outstanding service contributions to the Division on Women and Crime of the American Society of Criminology and to professional interests regarding feminist criminology.”

In a letter of nomination, Dr. Nancy Wonders described Dr. Eigenberg’s pioneering work specifically focused on scholarship and research on women, crime and justice, which she said Dr. Eigenberg has shared with those who are newer to the field of feminist criminology.

“At several universities, Dr. Eigenberg helped to transform the criminological curriculum through gender integration, both by revising existing courses and by creating new courses. As Department Chair and through roundtables and presentations at professional meetings, Dr. Eigenberg has also played a strong mentorship role with women faculty and students, particularly early in their professional lives,” said Dr. Wonders, professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Northern Arizona University.

In another letter of support, Dr. Emily Lenning of the Department of Criminal Justice, Fayettesville State University, emphasized Dr. Eigenberg’s service to her community, particularly female victims of crime.

“She was worked with multiple agencies and organizations, such as the Tennessee State Coalition on Domestic Violence, to ensure that support is offered to the victims of intimate partner violence,” Dr. Lenning explained.

Besides her direct service as a member of the DWC, Dr. Eigenberg has contributed to the ASC by serving as Editor (2006-10), Deputy Editor (2005-06), and as a member of the Editorial Board (since 2011) for Feminist Criminology.   She has also served as a member of the editorial board of Women and Criminal Justice (2000-present).

At UTC, in addition to her duties as department head and professor, Dr. Eigenberg has worked to establish and support a Women’s Center on campus, “a strong community of students and community members dedicated to principles of social justice and gender equity.”

“I believe that Helen is very deserving of this award,” said Dr. Jeff Elwell, dean of the UTC College of Arts and Sciences.  ”It says volumes about Helen’s dedication to her discipline and her professionalism that this national organization has recognized her efforts.”