Dr. Susan E. Keefe Award for Practicing Anthropology

Each year the Department of Anthropology may award one or more students the Dr. Susan E. Keefe Award for Practicing Anthropology, named in honor of one of the founding professors (and a former chair) of the department. This award recognizes students who contribute and/or have the potential to contribute in a significant way to solving problems using anthropological theories and methods. This can include volunteer work in communities and other extra-curricular activities as well as participation in research, internships, laboratories, or fieldwork courses that make a contribution to real world practice.

This award will be given to anthropology majors who have achieved significant merit in practicing anthropology and have plans for future application of anthropology in the real world. Examples include an applied research project, community outreach, formal internship, or other extraordinary experience.

Application Guidelines

Students apply for the Keefe Award for the upcoming academic year through the university ASAP (Appalachian Scholarship Application Portal) during the annual application window.   

To be considered for the Keefe Award make sure to highlight your expereinces in the practice of anthropology and the real world difference you have made with your work in the anthropology essay and/or your answers to the research questions in the application.

Past Recipients

  • 2005-2006 Justin Scarborough
  • 2006-2007 Henry Blackford
  • 2007-2008 Jaime Lockard
  • 2008-2012 [no award given]
  • 2012-2013 Tiffany Pardue
  • 2013-2014 Michael Story
  • 2014-2015 Charles Wickboldt
  • 2015-2016 Ricki Draper
  • 2016-2017 Ricki Draper
  • 2017-2018 Evangeline Giaconia and Abigail Rubio
  • 2018-2019 Olivia Elliott 
  • 2019-2020 Gabby Timbrook 
  • 2020-2021 Caroline Boerger 
  • 2021-2022 Rowan Tackitt