In 1987, she was awarded the Jessie Bernard Award by the American Sociological Association for her book ''Between Women: Domestics and Their Employers'', an award which recognises a work of exceptional contribution to women's studies. The book was a participant observation study in which Rollins studied the relationships between black women domestic workers and their white employers, and revealed insights into domination, deferential behaviours and power dynamics of gender, ethnicity and class.
From 2008 to 2009, Rollins was president of the Association of Black Sociologists. In March 2014, Rollins was featured as 'author of the month' by Nevis Public Library in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
