This ongoing roundup showcases the accomplishments of faculty, staff, and community members in the UConn College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. From awards and publications to public events and professional honors, this series highlights the many ways our CLAS community is making an impact on campus and beyond.
Have honors and achievements to share? Email the CLAS Communications Office to have your news included in an upcoming roundup.
Journalism Professor Scott Wallace Named Finalist for Latino Book Awards
Scott Wallace, professor of journalism, has been named a finalist for two honors from the International Latino Book Awards for his recent book, “Central America in the Crosshairs of War: On the Road from Vietnam to Iraq.”
Wallace’s book is one of only three finalists in both the Raúl Yzaguirre Best Political/Current Affairs Book and Best History Book categories. As a finalist, the book will receive either a gold, silver, or bronze medal. Final rankings will be announced at the official awards ceremony on Oct. 25.
Empowering Latino Futures is a nonprofit organization that aims to remove barriers to educational and professional success for the Latino community and underserved groups. Its International Latino Book Awards recognize excellence in books by and about Latinos, with this year’s competition receiving more than 5,000 entries reviewed by 222 judges.
This latest recognition adds to a growing list of accolades for “Central America in the Crosshairs of War: On the Road from Vietnam to Iraq,” which has won gold in the Foreword INDIES Awards in the category of political and social sciences, along with a Gold IPPY from the Independent Book Publishers Association as best history book.
Political Science Professor Shareen Hertel Named 2025 Distinguished Scholar
Shareen Hertel, professor of political science and Wiktor Osiatyński Chair of Human Rights, has been named the 2025 Distinguished Scholar by the American Political Science Association’s (APSA) Human Rights Section.
This honor recognizes Hertel’s contributions as an individual working in the field of human rights and her exceptional contributions to the field through research, teaching, and mentorship. She is the third UConn faculty member to receive the award, following former faculty member Richard Hiskes in 2022 and Professor Zehra Arat in 2021. Arat founded the APSA Human Rights Section 25 years ago.
The APSA is a professional organization serving more than 11,000 members in over 100 countries. It supports research, teaching, and scholarly exchange to advance the understanding of politics, democracy, and citizenship worldwide.
