A bit about Sonja ...
Sonja Ardoin, Ph.D. is a learner, educator, facilitator, and author. Proud of her rural hometown of Vidrine, Louisiana, her working-class, Cajun roots, and her first-generation college student to PhD journey, Sonja holds a B.S. in secondary education from LSU, a M.S. in higher education and student affairs from Florida State, and a Ph.D. in educational research and policy analysis from NC State. She considers herself a scholar-practitioner of higher education; she served as an administrator for 10 years before shifting to the faculty in 2015. She currently serves as associate professor in the higher education and student affairs programs at Clemson University. Sonja's career path includes experience in student activities, leadership development, community engagement, fraternity and sorority life, student conduct, and academic advising.
Sonja's research interests include social class identity in higher education; college access and success, particularly for first-generation college students and students from rural areas; student and women's leadership development and practice; and career preparation and pathways in higher education and student affairs. Sonja has co/authored four books, one monograph issue, and numerous book chapters and journal articles, and she has served as a speaker and consultant across the U.S.
Sonja stays engaged in the field through presenting, facilitating, and volunteering with national organizations such as ACPA, AFLV, ASHE, the Center for First-generation Student Success, NASPA, and several journal editorial boards. She is a contributor to the NASPA Center for First-generation Student Success advocacy group and the AFLV Board of Directors. She also serves on the editorial boards for the Review of Higher Education, Journal of College Student Development-Research in Brief, and the Journal of First-generation Student Success.
Sonja contributes to literature through books, book chapters, journal articles, and blogs and enjoys reading the work of others. She credits her love of reading to her grandmother, who always brought her to the local library as a child and challenged her to read the maximum number of books each week.
Sonja also enjoys traveling, dancing and listening to music, reading, writing, sports, laughing, and spending time with people (and dogs) she loves.
You can read more about Sonja's educational and professional journey in her December 2016 or April 2018 The Chronicle of Higher Education interviews.
Sonja's research interests include social class identity in higher education; college access and success, particularly for first-generation college students and students from rural areas; student and women's leadership development and practice; and career preparation and pathways in higher education and student affairs. Sonja has co/authored four books, one monograph issue, and numerous book chapters and journal articles, and she has served as a speaker and consultant across the U.S.
Sonja stays engaged in the field through presenting, facilitating, and volunteering with national organizations such as ACPA, AFLV, ASHE, the Center for First-generation Student Success, NASPA, and several journal editorial boards. She is a contributor to the NASPA Center for First-generation Student Success advocacy group and the AFLV Board of Directors. She also serves on the editorial boards for the Review of Higher Education, Journal of College Student Development-Research in Brief, and the Journal of First-generation Student Success.
Sonja contributes to literature through books, book chapters, journal articles, and blogs and enjoys reading the work of others. She credits her love of reading to her grandmother, who always brought her to the local library as a child and challenged her to read the maximum number of books each week.
Sonja also enjoys traveling, dancing and listening to music, reading, writing, sports, laughing, and spending time with people (and dogs) she loves.
You can read more about Sonja's educational and professional journey in her December 2016 or April 2018 The Chronicle of Higher Education interviews.
Recognition of Sonja's Contributions
National
- 2025 NASPA Faculty Council Mid-Career Award
- 2025 ACPA Commission for Faculty and Graduate Programs Teaching Excellence Award
- 2022 ACPA Diamond Honoree
- 2021 NASPA Faculty Council Early Career Award
- 2019-2021 ACPA Emerging Scholar
- 2019 NASPA Socioeconomic and Class Issues in Higher Education Knowledge Community Outstanding Service to NASPA Award
- 2018 The Chronicle of Higher Education Bookshelf Feature
- 2018 Mortar Board National Honor Society Alumni Emerging Leader Award
- 2017-2018 NASPA Emerging Faculty Leader Academy
- 2016 The Chronicle of Higher Education Profile Feature
- 2016 ASHE Council for the Advancement of Higher Education Programs Early Career Faculty Workshop
- 2025 NASPA Region III Outstanding Contribution to Student Affairs through Teaching Award
- 2023 Southern Association for College Student Affairs (SACSA) Joe Buck Service Award
- 2025 NASPA-South Carolina Outstanding Service as Higher Education/Student Affairs Faculty
- 2024 Clemson University College of Education Academic Publishing Career Milestone Award
- 2024 Clemson University College of Education Award of Excellence in Teaching
- 2023 Clemson University College of Education Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Research Career Milestone Award
- 2022 Appalachian State University Reich College of Education Outstanding Research/Scholarship Award
- 2021 Appalachian State University Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies Academy of Outstanding Mentors
- 2017 Boston University School of Education Excellence in Graduate Student Advising Award
- 2014 UNC Wilmington Center for Teaching Excellence Discere Aude Mentoring Students Award
- 2014 UNC Wilmington Division of Student Affairs Outstanding Newcomer Award
- 2010 Texas A&M University Fish Camp Namesake
- 2008 Florida State University Oglesby Union Gather Award (for purposeful collaboration)
