Honoring the service and accomplishments of our outgoing co-editors.
As Alpha Kappa Delta celebrates the release of the newest issue of Sociological Inquiry, we also mark an important moment of transition. After seven years of exemplary co-editorship, Dr. J. Scott Carter and Dr. Cameron Lippard conclude their term leading AKD’s flagship journal. Their contributions over those years not only strengthened Sociological Inquiry but elevated its visibility, impact, and role within the discipline.
Since assuming the editorship in 2018, the co-editors have guided the journal through a period of extraordinary growth and innovation. We are proud to know that their work will shape the journal for years to come.
A Transformative Vision for the Journal
One of the defining achievements of their tenure was introducing the co-editor model, a structure that brought collaborative leadership to the journal for the first time. This model fostered a more dynamic editorial workflow and increased the journal’s capacity to mentor emerging scholars, including undergraduate and graduate students.
The co-editors were deeply committed to supporting student involvement in the publication process. During their tenure, Sociological Inquiry published two student-led papers and reviewed five student submissions—an important effort aligned with AKD’s mission to champion the next generation of sociologists.
Innovation That Strengthened the Journal’s Impact
Among their most influential contributions was the creation of annual special issues, each centered on a timely and pressing sociological theme. These special issues expanded the journal’s reach and helped increase its impact factor over time—from 0.6 at the start of their term to a high of 2.2, and stabilizing at 1.6 in their final year.
Under their co-editorship, the journal published six special issues, each addressing some of the most important social questions of the past decade:
These issues not only attracted new readers and reputable contributors but demonstrated the journal’s commitment to engaging the complexities of contemporary social life.
Expanding Accessibility and Global Reach
During their tenure, Sociological Inquiry also transitioned from traditional print to digital-only access, increasing the journal’s availability while aligning with industry-wide trends toward sustainability and immediacy.
The co-editors oversaw a notable rise in Open Access publication, ensuring that more scholarship reached more readers without barriers. Under their leadership, the journal also achieved its highest-ever proportion of international submissions, with 17.6% of papers coming from scholars outside the United States. This growth reflects their commitment to elevating global sociological perspectives and diversifying the journal’s scholarly community.
Strengthening the Editorial Infrastructure
Recognizing the importance of a strong foundation, the co-editors also revised and expanded the editorial board, ensuring the journal benefitted from a wide range of methodological, theoretical, and topical expertise. Their stewardship contributed to increased reviewer engagement, improved processes, and a stronger network of scholars supporting the journal’s mission.
In addition, they helped establish AKD’s first Publications Committee on Council, a major step toward creating sustainable oversight, increasing governance transparency, and ensuring long-term strategic planning for Sociological Inquiry.
A Legacy of Excellence
The past seven years have transformed Sociological Inquiry into a more dynamic, accessible, and globally engaged journal. Through their vision, dedication, and countless hours of editorial labor, Drs. Carter and Lippard have positioned the journal for continued success under new leadership.
As we welcome the incoming editor, we do so with deep appreciation for the foundation they have built. Their service exemplifies AKD’s values of scholarship, teaching, and advancing sociology as a discipline devoted to understanding—and improving—the social world.
On behalf of Alpha Kappa Delta, its members, and the broader sociological community, we extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. J. Scott Carter and Dr. Cameron Lippard for their extraordinary leadership and contributions.
Their legacy will continue to shape the future of Sociological Inquiry for years to come.