Published on October 30, 2025 by Gunnar Sadowey  
MSSAStudents

Students and faculty from Samford University’s Department of Geography and Sociology recently presented original research at the 51st annual meeting of the Mid-South Sociological Association (MSSA) in North Augusta, South Carolina.

The conference brought together scholars and students from across the region to discuss topics related to this year’s theme, “Growth and Persistence Through Disasters.”

Samford faculty members Theresa Davidson, Jennifer Rahn and Abolade Oladimeji were among the presenters. Oladimeji shared his paper, “Self-Rated Health and Vulnerability Among Older Adults.” Davidson and Rahn collaborated with Mary Baker, a senior sociology major, to present their research titled “Comparing Indigenous and Mainstream News Media Narratives About the Climate.”

Two additional sociology majors, Sophia Revis and Abigail Kizziah, presented in the undergraduate research competition. Revis discussed “Media and Its Influence on Death Penalty Opinions,” while Kizziah presented “Effects of Family Size on Imprudent Behavior in Adulthood.”

Kizziah, a classics and sociology double major, co-captain of Samford’s Mock Trial team, Howard Scholar and University Fellow, earned third place in the undergraduate paper competition for her presentation.

“The conference provided an opportunity for me to present my own research and engage with the work of others,” Kizziah said. “I especially loved seeing Drs. Davidson and Rahn present with Mary, who is a friend of mine. I was humbled and so excited to be awarded third place and am so grateful to Dr. Davidson for her guidance.”

Davidson, a sociology professor, praised the students’ work and professionalism.

“I think the students were able to experience that when they presented their papers and received thoughtful and constructive feedback from audience members,” Davidson said. “They all did a fantastic job sharing their research and the department is very proud of them. I hope opportunities like this give Samford students a chance to consider graduate school experiences and future career possibilities.”

GIVE: Support impactful work at Howard College of Arts and Sciences.

 
Located in the Homewood suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford enrolls 6,324 students from 44 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford is widely recognized as having one of the most beautiful campuses in America, featuring rolling hills, meticulously maintained grounds and Georgian-Colonial architecture. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks with the second-highest score in the nation for its 98% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.