The 2003 Alex G. and Faye Spanos Distinguished Teaching Award was presented recently to Robert Futrell, assistant professor of sociology at UNLV. The Spanos Award is awarded annually to an outstanding faculty member and carries with it a one-time stipend of $2,000.

A member of the sociology department since 1999, Futrell specializes in environmental sociology, political sociology, social theory, and social movements and change. During his young career, he has already published numerous articles in a variety of refereed journals and was awarded the William Morris Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2001. He is currently at work on a book about chemical weapons disposal in the United States.

Futrell earned a dual bachelor's degree in sociology and philosophy from the University of Kentucky and his master's and doctoral degrees in sociology from the University of Kansas.