Auburn University faculty recognized as fellows by National Council on Family Relations

Two Auburn University faculty members were recently awarded fellow status by the National Council on Family Relations, or NCFR, a professional association for the multidisciplinary understanding of families.

Francesca Adler-Baeder and Donna Sollie, both professors in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies in the College of Human Sciences, were two of four NCFR members named fellows for 2015.

The association grants the honor to three percent or less of its membership who have made outstanding contributions to the field of the family in scholarship, teaching, outreach or professional service, including service to NCFR.

Previous honorees from Auburn were Jennifer Kerpelman, professor and associate dean for research and graduate studies in the College of Human Sciences, in 2013, and Joe Pittman, professor and head of the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, in 2001.

Adler-Baeder is also an Extension Specialist and principal investigator for the Alabama Healthy Marriage and Relationship Education Initiative. She is recognized as a fellow for her exceptional record of grant procurement; her development, delivery and evaluation of programs to enhance family relationships, especially her efforts targeting young parents, people of color and low risk families; and her mentoring of future leaders in the field of family science.

She has co-authored more than 60 refereed publications and more than 100 professional paper and poster presentations. She also has received many awards from Auburn, including the Excellence in Faculty Outreach Award and the Distinguished Diversity Researcher Award.

"Because my work is highly collaborative and applied, I share this recognition with the many colleagues, students and community partners who have invested so much over the past two decades in better understanding and supporting relational health in families and communities," said Adler-Baeder.

Sollie is also the assistant provost for women’s initiatives in the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, as well as founder and director of the Women’s Center at Auburn. She is recognized as a fellow for her sustained record of research contributions in women and gender issues, and her exemplary involvement with NCRF, where she has held several leadership positions and introduced many new members to the organization.

Her co-authored book, "Gender, Families, and Close Relationships: Feminist Research Journeys," provided an innovative research-based text for college courses on gender issues and families. Her research has been published in many top-tier family and developmental research journals. Sollie has received many awards, including being named an Auburn University Alumni Professor.

"I am so honored to receive this recognition and I am grateful for the supportive colleagues, students and collaborators who have played such an important role throughout my professional life," said Sollie.