Heather Pierce Wins APSA Excellence Award
The Rutgers lecturer is recognized for her significant contributions to political science teaching and leadership.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in People
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Rutgers University lecturer Heather Pierce received the 2026 American Political Science Association Award for Excellence in Scholarship, Teaching, or Leadership by Contingent Faculty. The honor recognizes her contributions as a non-tenure-track scholar.
Why it matters
The award highlights the vital role of non-tenure-track faculty in higher education. It specifically honors those who maintain high standards of teaching and leadership despite the lack of traditional tenure-track employment.
The APSA Committee on the Status of Contingent Faculty awarded three recipients this year, marking the second year of the honor's existence. Pierce has served as a lecturer for nine years at Rutgers University.
The players
Heather Pierce
She is a lecturer in the Department of Political Science at Rutgers University who leads the New Brunswick Faculty Council and the Rutgers Adjunct Faculty Union.
American Political Science Association
This professional organization supports political science research and teaching through its Committee on the Status of Contingent Faculty.
The details
The award committee specifically lauded Pierce for her nine years of dedication to teaching both graduate and undergraduate courses. Beyond her instructional duties, she plays a central role in university governance as chair of the New Brunswick Faculty Council and president of the Rutgers Adjunct Faculty Union.
Timeline
Heather Pierce received the APSA award in 2026.
Market Landscape
This award marks a shift toward greater professional recognition for the growing ranks of contingent faculty in the university system. It distinguishes these scholars as essential institutional leaders rather than peripheral staff members.
Students and faculty at the university may see increased focus on the advocacy work led by Pierce in her roles as union president and council chair. These efforts often translate into policy discussions regarding teaching conditions and university governance.
The takeaway
This recognition underscores the increasing visibility of adjunct faculty in institutional leadership roles. Scholars in non-tenure tracks should continue to leverage these platforms to advocate for their professional development.
Further reading
For more on influential leaders in the area, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NJTODAY.
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