The Organizational Theory SIG’s Best Annual Meeting Paper Award

This award recognizes academic and intellectual excellence towards enhancing theoretical developments in the field.

Review/Selection Process. The award committee comprised of members in addition to leadership council, including the SIG Chair, Awards Chair and one other member of the SIG leadership team, will select the paper that best meets the following criteria:

1. The paper significantly advances theoretical understanding in organizational theory in educational settings.
2. The articulation of theoretical understandings and the development of the arguments show a high level of sophistication.
3. The paper demonstrates a particularly creative or innovative approach.

Recognition. The award will be announced at the business meeting of the SIG during the annual conference. The author(s) of the winning paper will receive a certificate along with a brief statement from those reviewing, articulating the reasons for their selection.

2026 Annual Meeting Award Winners

Outstanding Graduate Student Research Award

Dr. Pooja Patel  

 Postdoctoral Researcher, Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania

“Power of the Purse: Examining the Role of Philanthropic Foundations in Postsecondary Education”

  Honorable Mention

   Dr. Tye Ripma

   Postdoctoral Scholar, Systems Change Advancing Learning and Equity (SCALE)     Initiative, Stanford University (Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin) 

“How are State Educational Agencies Organized to Support Special Education and Improve Schools?”