Sam Mindes, assistant professor of rural sociology, is the recipient of the faculty 2026 Early Achievement in Teaching Award from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University. His commitment to student learning and success, along with his innovative, impactful and experiential approach to teaching, exemplifies the criteria for excellence this award seeks to recognize.
Mindes’ teaching philosophy centers on creating learning environments where students with diverse backgrounds, learning styles and interests can engage with different people, situations and perspectives while developing as critical thinkers and engaged citizens. Implementing this approach requires creating opportunities for students to see themselves as capable social scientists who can make meaningful contributions to understanding social issues.
“Our students have benefited from his aptitude for conveying complex methodological concepts, his creative innovations and his willingness to dive deep into critical topics in sociology,” stated a colleague.