North Central Sociological Association records

The North Central Sociological Association (NCSA) developed from a general meeting of Ohio Sociologists at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. The following year, 1925, NCSA held their inaugural meeting. The society began publishing their organizational bulletin, Ohio Sociologist, in 1927. The NCSA’s efforts support scientific research in all areas of sociology, effective teaching of the discipline, and the use of sociological findings by public and private organizations.

Membership was not restricted to faculty at academic institutions. The NCSA allowed any staff in the field of Human Relations and Ohio residents with at least a graduate degree in Sociology to obtain membership, as well as students who had a recommendation from a NCSA member. In 1937 the association opened membership to neighboring states, undergoing a name change the following year from Ohio Sociological Society (OSS) to the Ohio Valley Sociological Society (OVSS). The publication Ohio Sociologist underwent a name change from Ohio Sociologist to The Ohio Valley Sociologist, as well. The NCSA region includes the states of Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, eastern Illinois, western Pennsylvania, and Ontario. Parallel to these titular changes, the society achieved affiliation with The American Sociological Society.

In 1965 the OVSS established a Publications Committee and issued the Ohio Valley Sociologist’s first printed issue, shifting away from news and organizational notes towards a more academically- focused publication. In 1967 the committee expanded parameters of the publication and began publishing graduate papers and scholarly articles. With this expansion and format change, the Ohio Valley Sociologist became ‘Sociological Focus.’

The NCSA hosts annual conferences for members to participate in research panels, roundtables, and teaching workshops. Additionally, the NCSA holds graduate and undergraduate student paper competitions and honors members through annual service awards. More information is available on the organization's website.