Skip to main content

Dissertation of the Year Award goes to MSU Alumna Dr. Jaleah Rutledge

July 17, 2025 - Shelly DeJong

dissertation-of-the-year-updated-graphic.jpgCongratulations to MSU Ecological-Community Psychology alumna Dr. Jaleah Rutledge on being awarded the 2025 Dissertation of the Year Award at the Society for Community Research and Action Biennial meeting held in East Lansing, Michigan on June 19, 2025. 

This award is given from Division 27: Society for Community Research and Action, a division of the American Psychological Association, which encourages the development of theory, research, and practice relevant to the relationships between individuals and their communities. This award, established in 1982, recognizes the best dissertation on a topic in the entire field of community psychology. 

“To be honored for my dissertation work, at my alma mater on the anniversary of my defense and on Juneteenth– a day that represents freedom and liberation felt like a full circle moment. As a Black woman whose research centers the voices of Black women and girls, I carry this moment with deep pride and purpose. I’m so grateful to the awards committee, my mentors, and of course, the wonderful participants who shared their stories with me for my dissertation,” said Rutledge. 

jaleah-quote.jpgRutledge’s research focuses on sexual and reproductive health equity and well-being among people of color. For her dissertation, Rutledge drew on Black Feminist Theory and resilience frameworks to explore the sources of community, intrapersonal, and interpersonal strength that assist young Black women to mount a resilient response to acquiring an STI. Her committee was especially impressed by how she integrated these frameworks with narrative methods and journey mapping visualizations to center Black women's experiences, elevate their voices, and celebrate their strengths. 

Rutledge has a long history of community and action-oriented research. While at MSU, Dr. Rutledge was awarded the Bob and Bets Caldwell Land Grant Values Award for her notable record of service-oriented research, mentorship, and community involvement.   The Caldwell award recognizes a psychology graduate student who exemplifies public-spirited attitudes and actions that encourage bridging divides to discover unity in common purpose and to be a positive force for hope and possibilities. 

Since graduating from Michigan State University in 2023, Rutledge has been working at Yale University as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow.