About BSA
The Bulgarian Studies Association (BSA) is a non-profit scholarly organization promoting the study of and exchange of knowledge about all aspects of Bulgaria, Bulgarian Lands and Bulgarians: language, literature, culture, history, archaeology, politics, economics and international relations. BSA is an affiliate organization of the Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies (ASEEES).
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About BSA
Compiled by Martha Forsyth
The Bulgarian Studies Association was started under the name of Bulgarian Studies Group, in the Spring of 1971 at the Convention in Denver of the Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies (ASEEES). It was an informal group, with no officers. Marin Pundeff acted as the first leader (Coordinator) of the group and Thomas A. Meininger was the compiler of its first Newsletter. In the Spring-Summer of 1972, the newsletter was received by 100 persons and about 15 institutions in the U.S. and Canada, about 20 institutions and persons in Bulgaria, and 15 Bulgarianists in England, France, and the Federal Republic of Germany. The organizations had no formal officers until the annual meeting on October 10, 1975. The name of the group was changed to Bulgarian Studies Association at the annual meeting on October 13, 1978. The first Constitution of the organization was approved in the fall of 1980. It was further amended on November 16, 1996, and again on November 12, 2000.
Historical Overview Table
Year | President | Vice-President | Secretary-Treasurer | Newsletter Editor | Honorary President | Conferences |
1971 | Bulgarian Studies Group formed in Denver | Thomas A. Meininger | ||||
1972 | Marin Pundeff, “ad hoc coordinator” | Thomas A. Meininger | ||||
1973-76 | Charles A. Moser | Ernest Scatton | Thomas A. Meininger | |||
1976-78 | Charles A. Moser | Philip Shashko | Ernest Scatton | Thomas A. Meininger | #1 (May 3-6, 1973), University of Wisconsin, USA | |
1978-80 | James F. Clarke | Lubomir A.D. Dellin (until 1980); then Frederick Chary | Thomas Butler | Frederick B. Chary | as of 1979: Irvin T. Sanders | #2 (June 1978) Varna, Bulgaria |
1980-82 | James F. Clarke | Frederick B. Chary | Ernest A. Scatton | Frederick B. Chary | Irwin T. Sanders; Albert B. Lord | #3 (October 11-13, 1982) Hellenic College and Harvard University, USA |
1982-89 | Frederick B. Chary | Ernest A. Scatton | Martha Forsyth | Roger Whitaker | Irwin T. Sanders; Albert B. Lord; James F. Clarke (d. 12/6/82) | #4 (June 22-26, 1987) Smolyan, Bulgaria |
1990-92 | John D. Bell | Howard I. Aronson | Martha Forsyth | Charles A. Moser | This category dropped. | |
1992-94 | Dennis Hupchick | Donald L. Dyer | Martha Forsyth | Donald L. Dyer | #5 (May 26-27, 1994), University of Pittsburgh, USA | |
1995-97 | Katia McClain | Grace Fielder | Martha Forsyth | L.C.J. Jacobson (10/95); Bonka S. Boneva (10/96) | ||
1997-2001 | Cynthia Vakareliyska | Ernest A. Scatton | Martha Forsyth | Bonka S. Boneva (-2000); In 1998, Donald L. Dyer was appointed Academic Editor; other person is Editor-in-Chief – Philip Murphy | #6 (May 30-June 3, 1999) Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria | |
2002-04 | Charles E. Gribble | Kjetil Rå Hauge | Martha Forsyth | Philip Murphy (Editor-in-Chief) & Donald L. Dyer (Acad. Ed.) | #7 October 9-11, 2003 Ohio State University, USA | |
2004-06 | Christine Holden | Kjetil Rå Hauge | Martha Forsyth | Murphy, then Emilia Zankina (2004) & Donald L. Dyer | ||
2006-08 | Mari Firkatian | Kjetil Rå Hauge | Martha Forsyth | Emilia Zankina & Donald L. Dyer | #8 (June 13-15, 2008) Varna, Bulgaria | |
2009-12 | Cynthia Vakareliyska | Anissava Miltenova | Martha Forsyth | Donald L. Dyer (Editor); Blake Shedd (Associate Editor); Sam Shingleton (Book Review Editor) | #9 (May 31-June 2, 2012) University of Oregon, Eugene, USA | |
2013-18 | Vessela Warner | Donald L. Dyer | Martha Forsyth | Donald L. Dyer (Editor); Cammeron Girvin (Associate Editor; later Journal Editor) | #10 (June 27-29, 2016) Sofia, Bulgaria | |
2019-22 | Markus Wien | Vessela Warner (2019-20); Daria White | Traci Speed | Sanja Ivanov (Journal Editor) | #11 (June 9-10, 2022) Library of Congress, Washington, DC | |
2022-present | Dilyana Ivanova Zieske | Daria White | Traci Speed | Sanja Ivanov (Journal Editor) |
(A revised version, adopted 11/12/2000 and amended 9/12/2015 and 11/14/2017)
- Article I: NAME.
The name of the association shall be the Bulgarian Studies Association (hereinafter referred to as “the association”; abbreviated as “BSA”). - Article II: PURPOSE.
The BSA is an international non-profit scholarly organization which promotes the study of and exchange of knowledge about all aspects of Bulgaria and Bulgarians, including, but not limited to, language, literature, culture, history, politics, economics and international relations. - Article III: MEMBERS.
Membership in the association shall be open to anyone interested in any aspect of scholarship dealing with Bulgaria and Bulgarians. Members who are in good standing and not in arrears in dues payments are regular members and are eligible to vote.- Par. I: ANNUAL DUES.
The annual membership dues shall be $25 per person for members not residing in Bulgaria and $5.00 for those living in Bulgaria (Amended 11/14/2017) . Changes in dues may be proposed by the Executive Council but shall not take effect until such change has been approved by a majority of the members voting of all members.
- Par. I: ANNUAL DUES.
- Article IV: MEETINGS.
The general Business Meeting of the BSA shall be held every year in conjunction with the annual conference of the ASEEES. At these meetings, major decisions may be taken by vote if a quorum of at least 25% of the membership is present; otherwise, major decisions shall be made by a mail ballot of the entire membership. Upon request of the President or three-fifths of the Executive Council, or upon written request of twenty percent (20%) of the members, the Secretary-Treasurer shall call a special meeting. Notice about time and place of meetings of the BSA shall be given in writing or by electronic means to all members of the BSA by the Secretary-Treasurer at least one month before the meeting. In case a quorum is not present at a special meeting, the Executive Council shall have the authority to proceed with the meeting, but no major actions shall be binding until approved by a majority of members voting in a special mail ballot. There shall be at least one general meeting each calendar year. At each meeting, the President or other presiding officer shall appoint a member present at the meeting to keep minutes. The minutes of all meetings shall be published on the Association’s webpage and/or in the Association’s Newsletter. - Article V: OFFICERS.
The Officers of the Association shall be a President, Vice-President, and Secretary-Treasurer elected by the members. Additional honorary officers may be elected by the membership. Officers must be members in good standing. The President shall provide general leadership and supervision of the Association, shall preside at its meetings, shall charge and discharge committees, shall appoint the Chair and members of committees, and shall serve as member ex officio of any committees. The Vice-President shall act for the President in his or her absence, shall consult with and act together with the President, and shall be an ex officio member of any committees. The Secretary-Treasurer shall maintain membership records of the BSA, issue notices, receive, disburse, and keep records of funds under the direction of the Executive Council, and shall make a financial report at the annual meeting. All records will be open for inspection by members of the Executive Council. - Article VI: EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
The property of the association shall be managed and its business conducted by the Executive Council, consisting of the three Officers and the Journal Editor, who shall be members-at-large of the Executive Council. (Amended 9/12/2015)- Par. I: ANNUAL BUDGET. The Secretary-Treasurer shall be required to submit an annual report for the approval of the Executive Council at the Annual Business Meeting.
- Article VII: ELECTION OF OFFICERS.
The officers shall be elected from among the membership by regular members in good standing, by a majority of those voting. Each officer’s term shall begin immediately after the annual meeting following the elections and shall continue for two years. Officers may serve more than one two-year term, either consecutively or after a break in service, provided they are properly elected to each term. A Nominating Committee consisting of representatives from diverse disciplines shall be proposed by the Executive Council at the annual meeting preceding the election, and shall be approved by a majority vote of the regular membership who are in attendance at the Annual Business Meeting. The Nominating Committee shall solicit from the regular members nominations for officers of the Association and circulate the proposed slate to the membership no later than May 1st. The election shall be held via electronic vote. All ballots shall be sent to either the Chair or another appointed member of the Nominating Committee, who shall be responsible for counting and announcing the votes. Ballots shall be sent to the membership by August 1 and returned to the Nominating Committee by October 1. In the event that one or more of the positions on the Executive Council becomes vacant, the Executive Council shall be empowered to appoint an acting officer to serve until a regular officer can be elected by authorized procedures. - Article VIII: PUBLICATIONS.
An online Journal is to be published once a year. The Executive Council shall appoint a member to oversee administrative matters related to the Journal, compile articles and other materials, and distribute the Journal. This Journal Editor shall serve at the pleasure of the Executive Council, and may appoint other members to serve on an editorial committee for the journal. Expenditures for published materials other than the Journal must be approved in advance by the Executive Council. (Amended 9/12/2015) - Article IX: AMENDMENTS.
Amendments to the Constitution must receive a two-thirds majority of members voting in order to be adopted. Votes shall be conducted by electronic ballot and the Chair of the Constitution Committee will be responsible for counting and announcing the votes. Amendments may be proposed at meetings by a quorum of those present, or by e-mail by petitions to the Secretary-Treasurer containing the names of at least ten members. Only members who are of at least one year’s standing, in good standing, and not in arrears in dues payments shall be eligible to propose or vote on amendments. - Article X: PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY.
Roberts Rules of Order (revised), in the latest edition, shall govern the Association in all cases in which it can be applied and in which it is not inconsistent with the Constitution and any By-laws of the Association. - Article XI: COMMITTEES.
Each committee shall consist of at least two members in good standing, plus the President and Vice President ex officio. The committees and their membership shall be determined by the President with the advice and consent of the Executive Council. - Article XII. DISSOLUTION.
In the event of dissolution of the association, any assets remaining after paying or making provision for the payment of all liabilities of the association, shall be disposed of exclusively for the purpose of the association to such organization(s) organized and operated exclusively for scientific or educational purposes. - Article XIII. Enabling Clause.
This revised version of the Constitution of the Bulgarian Studies Association shall go into effect only after legal review and then approval by a majority of members in good standing voting with an electronic ballot . This vote is to be held not more than four months after the approval of this revised version by the Executive Council.
BSA Officers
Dilyana Ivanova Zieske
President
Dr. Dilyana Ivanova Zieske is a Research Associate at The Field Museum in Chicago, IL where she is conducting oral history research of Bulgarian immigration to Chicago. Dilyana obtained her Ph.D. in Ethnology from the Institute of Ethnology and Folklore Studies with Ethnographic Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia.
Daria White
Vice-President
Dr. Daria White’s work has been focused on individuals who have experienced personal and communal, current and transgenerational trauma. She earned her Ph.D. in Counseling and Supervision at James Madison University, where she received the Women and Gender Studies Feminist Scholarship Award for her work with Bulgarian elderly women.
Sanja Ivanov
Newsletter Editor
Dr. Sanja Ivanov is a scholar of contemporary literature and culture, with a focus on legacy of socialism in Central and Southeastern Europe. Her other academic interests include internationalization of higher education and graduate student teaching development. She holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the University of Toronto.
Conferences
Publications
Conferences Proceeding
Books on Bulgarian Themes
BSA Book Prize
Journal
Newsletter
Conference proceedings
The BSA conferences occur once every four years. The BSA Conference Proceedings include carefully selected and peer-reviewed articles.
Latest Conference Proceedings
Proceedings Volume for the Seventh and Eighth Meetings of North American and Bulgarian Scholars
The combined proceedings volume for the Seventh and Eighth Meetings of North American and Bulgarian scholars (Sofia: Prof. Marin Drinov, 2010) is now available for purchase. The volume contains 41 papers from both the Oh...
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Books on Bulgarian Themes
BSA Recommendations
John D. Bell Book Prize
This non-monetary award is established for the most outstanding recent scholarly book within any area of Bulgarian studies. The author of the winning book receives a BSA award certificate, and a notification letter is sent by the BSA to the book’s publisher. The award announcement is made at the BSA Annual meeting and is then posted on the BSA webpage. The BSA also sends an announcement of the winning book to the AAASS NewsNet, the AATSEEL Newsletter where appropriate, and any other relevant newsletters.
Bulgarian Studies - Journal of the Bulgarian Studies Association
Published by the Bulgarian Studies Association Washington, DC. ISSN 2638-9754
Bulgarian Studies is an annual online peer-edited journal that includes content related to the study of Bulgaria and its culture. We welcome submissions of relevant scholarly articles and reviews of publications from academics and unaffiliated scholars alike. Additional materials, such as personal narratives and creative media may also be considered.
To submit a piece for publication, send it in Word (.doc or .docx) to bgstudiesjournal@gmail.com. Texts should follow the guidelines set forth in the Chicago Manual of Style, 16th Edition. Articles should be between 6,000 and 8,000 words in length, inclusive of footnotes and appendices, and reviews should be 500 to 1,500 words in length. Submissions must contain a complete narrative and be composed in accordance with the norms of academic English prose. Please contact the Editor, Sanja Ivanov, with any questions or to inquire about the submission of other materials of interest.
Note: BSA is not currently publishing or accepting submissions for the journal.
Recent Issues
Newsletter of the Bulgarian Studies Association
Please consider sending your contributions to the BSA Newsletter.
The Bulgarian Studies Association Newsletter is issued annually in PDF format and carries news of the association and topics related to Bulgarian studies. Please submit your
- Announcements for conferences, events, publications, activities, etc.
- Award recognitions.
- Profiles and short biographies of BSA members; and
- Resources that may be helpful to members – scholarships and other grants, job announcements, etc.
Guidelines for Contributions
- All submissions must be in Word format and should include a proposed title.
- Photos, images, or graphics are encouraged, and may be resized for placement.
- Please include links (URLs) to additional information.
- Word count:
- News items, reports, and announcements – 50 to 200 words
- All articles have a limit of up to 500 words.
Please submit your contributions to our Editor, Sanja Ivanov at bgstudies.newsletter@gmail.com.
Note: Submissions are accepted from the Bulgarian Studies Association current members.
Recent Issues
Resources
Other Slavic Studies Organizations
Educational and Scholarly Sites in Bulgaria
Learning & Teaching Bulgarian
Bulgarian Monolingual Dictionaries
Bulgarian Bilingual Dictionaries
Bulgarian Corpora
Journals
Virtual Libraries
Members Area
Membership Application / Renewal
Membership in the Bulgarian Studies Association costs only $35.00 per calendar year ($10.00 for members living in Bulgaria and $0 charge for retirees and graduate students) and is open to any person interested in any aspect of scholarship dealing with Bulgaria and Bulgarians. Membership in the BSA will help you keep apprised of developments and trends in the field and will foster professional contacts with other scholars active in Bulgarian Studies.
- Our membership is based upon a calendar year of January 1 – December 31.
- If you join in January through October, your membership will expire on December 31 of that year.
- If you join in November or December, your membership will extend through the following year.
Mailing list
The purpose of the BSA discussion list is to serve common professional, academic and cultural interests in the area of Bulgarian studies. The BSA mailing list is open for members, donors and friends of the organizations.
Membership payment preferences
If you prefer, you can pay ahead a year or more.
Membership Payment
To pay by PayPal:
- Click the payment button below to be sure you reach the BSA account.
- In the screen that appears, type in the amount of dollars you are sending and click “Update”
- Log in to PayPal or create an account.
- Enter your credit card details in the appropriate fields and go through with the transaction (You will be able to review your payment details before making the final transaction).
- You will immediately receive a receipt from PayPal by e-mail.
- After submitting dues through PayPal, please send your completed membership form as an e-mail attachment to Traci Speed.
Payment
Membership Form
Choose one of the two options below:
1) Select the text between the dotted lines, copy it into an e-mail, fill in the information needed on each line, and mail it to Traci Speed.
————— COPY FROM HERE ———–
An asterisk (*) marks required information.
- *Name:
- *E-mail address:
- Alternative e-mail address:
- *Country of residence:
- Affiliation:
- *Preferred mailing address:
- Second address?:
- hone number(s):
- Field(s) of Interest (linguistics, history, economics, etc.):
- *Type of payment (delete as applicable) PayPal/check (U.S. currency only)/cash (U.S. currency only)
- *Date of payment:
- *Amount submitted (US $35 per calendar year, $10 for members living in Bulgaria, $0 for retirees and graduate students):
- Comments or questions:
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Donations
Your financial support will help the administration and advancement of the Bulgarian Studies Association. We greatly appreciate any contribution!
If you would like to make a donation, your can use the PayPal link below. For other methods of donation, please contact Traci Speed.