Awards Program Overview
The Central States Communication Association is one of the top regional organizations in promoting all levels of scholarship and sponsors numerous outstanding research awards. In addition, because CSCA recognizes that there are varying types of scholarship and many stages in an academic's life, the organization also presents teaching awards as well as service awards.
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Please click on the award name for further information about a specific award.
Auer Award
The J. Jeffery Auer Award is named after distinguished scholar J. Jeffery Auer and is presented to the author(s) of the Top Graduate Student Paper submitted to the Political Communication Interest Group. At the annual convention, the recipient(s) receive a cash award and a certificate. The recipient of the Auer Award is recognized at the Political Communication Interest Group business meeting. For more information, contact the officers of the Political Communication Interest Group.
Past recipients are:
2025Emmanuel Myło Dadzie, North Dakota State University |
2024Michael Ofori, University of Minnesota |
2023Katelyn E. Brooks, Purdue University |
2022Grayce Limpert, Minnesota State University, Mankato |
2021Daniel M. Chick, University of Kansas |
2020Wm. Bryan Paul, University of Missouri |
2019Daniel M. Chick, University of Kansas |
2018Josh C. Bramlett, University of Missouri, Columbia |
2017Joel Lansing Reed, University of Missouri, Columbia |
2016Thomas A. Salek, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee |
2015Cassandra Bird, University of Kansas |
2014Meredith Neville-Shepard, University of Kansas |
2013Haley Cole, University of Missouri, Columbia |
2012Katie L. Irwin, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |
2011Benjamin R. Warner, University of Kansas |
2010Benjamin R. Warner, University of Kansas |
2009Scott Walus, University of Missouri, Columbia |
2008Neal E. Stewart, Kansas State University |
2007Michael Sounders, University of Kansas |
2006Dan Schill, University of Kansas |
2005Jay P. Childers, University of Texas - Austin |
2004Jenifer L. Lewis, University of Kansas |
2003Shane Semmler, University of South Dakota |
Beall Award
The Melissa Beall Award is named after former CSCA President and CSCA Hall of Fame member Melissa Beall and is presented to the contributors to the Top Panel submitted to the Basic Course Interest Group. At the annual convention, the recipient receives a $25 cash award and a certificate. The recipient of the Beall Award is recognized at the Basic Course Interest Group business meeting. For more information, contact the officers of the Basic Course Interest Group.
Past recipients are:
2024Caroline Waldbuesser, University of Missouri |
2024Xinyue Liu, North Dakota State University |
2023Joshua Young, Divine Word College Seminary |
2022Anna Wright, Illinois College |
2021Kelli Jean Chromey, South Dakota State University |
2020Tiffany R. Wang, University of Montevallo |
2019Tiffany R. Wang, University of Montevallo |
2018Ed Schwarz, Prairie State College |
2017Joshua N. Westwick, South Dakota State University |
2016Donna R. Pawlowski, Bemidji State University |
2015Joshua Westwick, South Dakota State University |
2014Suzanne White, Century College |
2013Richard Murphy, Wayne State College |
2012Seth S. Frei, Texas State University-San Marcos |
2011Karla Mason Bergen, College of Saint Mary |
2010Dacia Charlesworth, Indiana University, Purdue University Fort Wayne |
Becker Award
The Samuel L. Becker Award is named after former National Communication Association President and CSCA Hall of Fame member Samuel L. Becker and is presented to the author(s) of the Top Graduate Student Paper submitted to the Media Studies Interest Group. At the annual convention, the recipient receives a $150 cash award and a certificate. The recipient of the Becker Award is recognized at the Media Studies Interest Group business meeting. For more information, contact the officers of the Media Studies Interest Group.
Past recipients are:
2025Hadassah Ward, University of Colorado Boulder |
2024Samantha Schubert, Ball State University |
2023Pamela Peters, University of Kansas |
2022Luis A. Jauregui, Illinois State University |
2021Duy Pham, Illinois State University |
2020Award not submitted by Interest Group. |
2019Macklin Brigham, St. Lawrence University |
2018Nathaniel Swiech Brophy, Illinois State University |
2017Mick Brewer, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale |
2016Tucker Robinson, Missouri State University |
2015Carie L. Cunningham, Michigan State University |
2014Andrew Cole, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee |
2013Maureen E. Savage, Indiana University |
2012Kristen Hungerford, University of Memphis |
2011Pete Knutson, University of Kansas |
2010Joshua Ewalt, University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
2009Andrew J. Kirk, Southern Illinois University - Carbondale |
2008Adam Tyma, North Dakota State University |
2007Jessica Prody, University of Minnesota |
2006Michael D.D. Willits, North Carolina State University |
2005Tony E. Adams, University of South Florida |
2004Michaela D.E. Meyer, Ohio University |
2003Michaela D.E. Meyer, Ohio University |
2002Susan M. Brockus, Purdue University |
2001Pablo Boczkowski, Cornell University |
2000Gracie Lawson-Borders, Wayne State University |
1999Charles E. Soukup, University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
1998Andrew R. Rudd, Bowling Green State University |
1997Glenda R. Balas, University of Iowa |
1996Glenda R. Balas, University of Iowa |
1995Robert A. Abrams, Indiana University |
1994Linda B. Dickmeyer, University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
Braithwaite Award
The Dawn O. Braithwaite Award for Qualitative Research is named after former NCA President and beloved CSCA member Dawn O. Braithwaite who was and is a pioneer for interpersonal qualitative research studies. It is presented to the top paper in the Interpersonal and Family Communication Interest Group that exclusively uses qualitative methods and that did not receive the top paper or top student paper award. At the annual convention, the recipient receives a $75 cash award and a certificate. The recipient of the Braithwaite Award is recognized at the Interpersonal and Family Communication Interest Group business meeting. For more information, contact the officers of the Interpersonal and Family Communication Interest Group.
2025James Robinson, University of Tampa |
2024Olivia Watson, University of Missouri |
2023Brooke Wolfe, University of Washington |
2022Aimee Miller-Ott, Illinois State University |
2021Alicia Lynn Alexander, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville |
2020Kim Powell, Luther College |
2019Kristina Scharp, University of Washington |
2018Danielle Sparrow, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee |
Burrell Award
The Nancy Burrell Award is named after interpersonal scholar and researcher Nancy Burrell. The award is presented to the author(s) of the Top Student paper submitted to the Interpersonal and Family Communication Interest Group. At the annual Central States Communication Association convention, the recipient receives a $325.00 cash award and a certificate. The recipient of the Burrell Award is recognized at the Interpersonal and Family Communication Interest Group business meeting. For more information, contact the officers of the Interpersonal and Family Communication Interest Group.
Past recipients are:
2025Jinwen Yue, University of Missouri |
2024Ant Woodall, University of Oklahoma |
2023Olivia Watson, University of Missouri |
2022Olivia Watson, University of Missouri |
2021Elizabeth Hintz, University of South Florida |
2020Hanna Klecka, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee |
2019Robert D. Hall, University of Nebraska - Lincoln |
2018Carol L. Tschampl-Diesing, University of Nebraska - Lincoln |
2017Samantha Q. Fylling, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee |
2016Helen M. Lillie, Purdue University |
2015Nathan M. Swords, University of Nebraska, Lincoln |
2014Jennifer Schon, University of Kansas |
2013Award not submitted by Interest Group. |
2012Laura C. Farrell, North Dakota State University |
2011Curtis B. Livesay, University of Iowa |
2010Sarah E. Dirks, University of Nebraska - Lincoln |
2009Anna D. H. Kudak, University of Kentucky |
2008Colleen Warner Colaner, University of Nebraska - Lincoln |
2007Curtis Livesay, Illinois State University |
2006Andrew M. Ledbetter, University of Kansas |
Calloway-Thomas Inclusivity Fellows
The Calloway-Thomas Inclusivity Speaker Series (and fellow program) is named after Dr. Carolyn Calloway-Thomas who has a long history of involvement with the Central States Communication Association and whose scholarship is among the top in the world in the areas of intercultural communication and rhetorical studies. The Calloway-Thomas Inclusivity Speaker Series is housed in the Ethnicity, Race, International, and Class Issues (ERIC) Caucus who will sponsor at least one speaker each year to deliver a lecture or serve on a focused discussion panel specifically dedicated to the area of inclusive scholarship. Once speakers have presented as part of the series, they will from that point forward be known as a CSCA Calloway-Thomas Inclusivity Fellow for the organization.
Biography for Award Namesake: Dr. Carolyn Calloway-Thomas studies intercultural communication, African American communication, intersections between empathy and conflict, and pedagogy and civic engagement. She is currently the President of the World Communication Association. She has served in many leadership positions, including President of the Bloomington Faculty Council at Indiana University, Communication National Advisory Board, Director of the Interracial Communications Project, and past president of the Central States Communication Association (CSCA). In 2012, she was inducted into the CSCA’s Hall of Fame.
Calloway-Thomas Inclusivity Fellows:
2025Eddah M. Mutua, St. Cloud State University |
2024Stephen A. Spates, Michigan State University |
2023Amber Johnson, Saint Louis University |
2022Molefi Kete Asante, Temple University |
2021Robin M. Boylorn, University of Alabama |
Chesebro Award
The James W. Chesebro Award for Scholarly Distinction in Sexuality Research is named after beloved CSCA member and LGBT studies pioneer Jim Chesebro. It is presented to an outstanding scholar from across the nation who has made a clear and viable contribution to the study of gender, sexuality, or sexual identity. At the annual convention, the recipient receives a $50 cash award and a certificate. Although a national award, the recipient is recognized at the CSCA Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Caucus business meeting. For more information, contact the officers of the SOGI Caucus.
2025Stephanie L. Young, Indiana State University |
2024Danielle M. Stern, Christopher Newport University |
2023Sandra Faulkner, Bowling Green State University |
2022Not submitted by Interest Group. |
2021Ahmet Atay, The College of Wooster |
2020No award submitted by interest group. |
2019Tony Adams, Bradley University |
2018Jimmie Manning, Northern Illinois University |
ComBotLabs Award
The ComBotLabs Award is named after the Communication and Social Robotics Labs (www.combotlabs.org) which is a research partnership between Autumn Edwards, Chad Edwards, and Patric Spence. The ComBotLabs Award is presented to the author(s) of the Top Paper submitted to the Communication and Technology Interest Group. At the annual Central States Communication Association convention, the recipient receives a $75 cash award and a certificate. The recipient of the ComBotLabs Award is recognized at the Communication and Technology Interest Group business meeting. For more information, contact the officers of the Communication and Technology Interest Group.
2025Kyle R. Vareberg, Northeastern State University |
2024Mina Choi, Sejong University |
2023Yeojin Kim, Central Connecticut State University |
2022Kathryn D. Coduto, South Dakota State University |
2021Natalie Pennington, University of Nevada, Las Vegas |
2020Xialing Lin, Penn State University, Scranton |
Communication Studies Article of the Year Award
The Communication Studies Article of the Year Award recognizes one article that is deemed by the award committee to be the best article of the year for the calendar year prior to the CSCA convention.
Past recipients include the following:
2025Kundai Chirindo, Lewis & Clark College |
2024Alberto González, Bowling Green State University |
2023China Billotte Verhoff, Ohio University |
2022Zachary B. Massey, University of Missouri |
2021Ashley Jones-Bodie, University of Mississippi |
2020Cristin A. Compton, Kent State University |
2019Yachao Li, University of Georgia |
2018Andy J. Merolla, University of California, Santa Barbara |
2017Chad Edwards, Western Michigan University |
Cooper Award
The prestigious Cooper Award is named after former CSCA President Pamela J. Cooper and is presented to one M.A. level graduate teaching assistant and one Ph.D. level graduate teaching assistant in recognition of excellent teaching by a graduate student. At the annual convention, the recipients each receive a $75 cash award and a plaque.
Past recipients include the following:
2025Debipreeta Rahut, Bowling Green State University (Ph.D.) |
2024Sophie Downing, Ohio University (Ph.D.) |
2023Iruoma Ezumba, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (Ph.D.) |
2022Grace Oforiwa Sikapokoo, Ohio University (Ph.D.) |
2021Ritika Popli, Ohio University (Ph.D.) |
2020Megan Orcholski, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee (Ph.D.) |
2019Jessica R. Welch, Purdue University (Ph.D.) |
2018Yannick Kluch, Bowling Green State University (Ph.D.) |
2017Anita J. Mixon, Wayne State University (Ph.D.) |
2016Cassandra C. Bird, University of Kansas (Ph.D) |
2015Lindsey N. Badger, Indiana University (Ph.D.) |
2014Lindsey B. Anderson, Purdue University (Ph.D.) |
2013Amanda Holman, University of Nebraska - Lincoln (Ph.D.) |
2012Jeffrey H. Kuznekoff, Ohio University (Ph.D.) |
2011Michael Burns, North Dakota State University (Ph.D.) |
2010Angela Hosek, University of Nebraska - Lincoln (Ph.D.) |
2009Joseph Mazer, Ohio University (Ph.D.) |
2008Cassandra LeClair-Underberg, University of Nebraska - Lincoln (Ph.D.) |
2007Samuel McCormick, University of Iowa (Ph.D.)Elissa Arterburn, University of Nebraska - Lincoln (M.A.) |
2006Meredith Marko, University of Nebraska - Lincoln (Ph.D.)Jenn Supple Nadeau, University of Northern Iowa (M.A.) |
2005Stephanie Rollie, University of Iowa (Ph.D.) |
2004Kristen Lucas, Purdue University (Ph.D.)Bryan McCann, Illinois State University (M.A.) |
2003Paul Schrodt, University of Nebraska - Lincoln (Ph.D.)Luke LeFebvre, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee (M.A.) |
2002Leah Bryant, University of Nebraska - Lincoln (Ph.D.)Sara Toricelli, Illinois State University (M.A.) |
2001David T. McMahan, University of Iowa (Ph.D.)Stephen Rains, Illinois State University (M.A.) |
2000Paul Turman, University of Nebraska - Lincoln |
1999B. Scott Titsworth, University of Nebraska - Lincoln |
Diamond Anniversary Award
The Diamond Anniversary Award is named in honor of the 75th anniversary of the Central States Communication Association. It is presented to the author(s) of the Top Paper submitted to the Organizational and Professional Communication Interest Group. At the annual convention, the recipient receives a $25 cash award and a certificate. The recipient of the Diamond Anniversary Award is recognized at the Organizational and Professional Communication Interest Group business meeting. For more information, contact the officers of the Organizational and Professional Communication Interest Group.
2025Brian Richardson, University of North Texas |
2024Astrid Villamil, University of Missouri |
2023Michael Cody Coker, Boise State University |
2022Da Bi, University of Oklahoma |
2021Inyoung Shin, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee |
2020Craig Engstrom, Southern Illinois University - Carbondale |
2019Chad McBride, Creighton University |
2018Stacey Wieland, Calvin College |
2017Sarah E. Riforgiate, Kansas State University |
2016Rahul Mitra, Wayne State University |
2015Ziyu Long, Purdue University |
2014Vinita Agarwal, Salisbury University |
2013Ryan S. Bisel, University of Oklahoma |
2012Nicole A. Ploeger, University of Arkansas at Little Rock |
2011Stephenson J. Beck, North Dakota State University |
2010Renee L. Cowan, Texas A&M University |
2009James M. Tyler, Purdue University |
2008Melissa Jan Bridgewater, Purdue University |
2007Ryan S. Bisel, University of Kansas |
2006Julie M. Novak, North Dakota State University |
Federation Prize
The Federation Prize promotes intellectual development and communication scholarship by awarding a cash prize of (up to) $5000 to selected research proposals authored by a CSCA member. If there are multiple submitters on a proposal, all authors must be CSCA members. Proposals are evaluated by a selection committee of scholars representing diverse interests in communication and various methods of inquiry. The recipient is expected to provide a presentation of the research project in a special panel at the CSCA convention the year following the award presentation.
Past recipients include:
2025Muhammad Ehab Rasul, University of California, Davis |
2024Yoo Jung (Erika) Oh, Michigan State University |
2023Sydney O'Shay, Utah State University |
2022Bryan Abendschein, Western Michigan University |
2021Kate Magsamen-Conrad, University of Iowa |
2020Kallia O. Wright, Illinois College |
2019Leslie J. Harris, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee |
2018Jihyun Kim, University of Central Florida |
2017Maria K. Venetis, Purdue University |
2016Kaitlin E. Phillips, University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
2015Tina Coffelt, Iowa State UniversityLeah LeFebvre, University of Wyoming Suzie D’Enbeau, Kent State University |
2014Stephanie Tom Tong, Wayne State University |
2013Benjamin R. Warner, University of Missouri |
2012Patrice M. Buzzanell, Purdue UniversityRahul Mitra, Purdue University |
2011Mike Allen, University of Wisconsin - MilwaukeeKelly Tenzek, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Emily Cramer, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee |
2010Amanda J. Holmstrom, Michigan State University |
2009Kristen Lucas, University of Nebraska - Lincoln |
2008Julie Novak, Wayne State University |
2007Patric Spence, Calvin CollegeKenneth Lachlan, Boston College |
2006Brant R. Burleson, Purdue UniversityGraham D. Bodie, Purdue University |
2005B. Scott Titsworth, Ohio UniversityMyrna Cornett-DeVito, Emporia State University David W. Worley, Indiana State University Debra W. Worley, Indiana State University |
2004Joann Keyton, University of Kansas |
2003Mary Banwart, University of KansasMitchell McKinney, University of Missouri - Columbia |
2002Lynn Harter, Minnesota State University - Moorhead |
2001Marcy Meyers, Ball State UniversityLaura O'Hara, Ball State University |
2000Monique Mitchell, University of Oklahoma |
1999Timothy Sellnow, North Dakota State University |
1998Lynda Lee Kaid, University of OklahomaMitchell McKinney, University of Oklahoma |
Founders Award
The Founders Award is named in honor of Jennifer C. Dunn, Jimmie Manning, Danielle Stern, and Adam Tyma who were the founders of the CSCA Popular Culture Interest Group. It is presented to the top student paper in the Popular Culture Interest Group. At the annual convention, the recipient receives a $25 cash award and a certificate. The recipient of the Founders Award is recognized at the Popular Culture Interest Group business meeting. For more information, contact the officers of the Popular Culture Interest Group.
2025Edikan Nkanta, Illinois State University |
2024Candice L. Ruh, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee |
2023Olivia Sadler, University of Illinois at Chicago |
2022Suha Mohammed, Regent University |
2021Aimee Miller, Central Michigan University |
2020Taylor Hamilton Arthur Katz, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee |
2019Not submitted by the Interest Group. |
2018Caroline Waldbuesser, Ohio University |
Friedrich Award
The Gustav Friedrich Award is named after former CSCA President, former CSCA Executive Director, and CSCA Hall of Fame member Gustav Friedrich and is presented to the author(s) of the Top Student Competitive Paper submitted to the Communication Education Interest Group. At the annual convention, the recipient receives a $150 cash award and a certificate. The recipient of the Friedrich Award is recognized at the Communication Education Interest Group business meeting. For more information, contact the officers of the Communication Education Interest Group.
Past recipients are:
2025Nicholas B. Lacy, Purdue University |
2024Eboni Devon Springfield, University of Northern Iowa |
2023Caleb Royal McKinley-Portee, Southern Illinois University Carbondale |
2022Rebecca R. Todd, University of South Florida |
2021Md Enamul Kabir, Bowling Green State University |
2020Not submitted by Interest Group. |
2019Nate S. Brophy, George Mason University |
2018Brian Rohman, Illinois State University |
2017Nicholas T. Tatum, University of Kentucky |
2016Jean Claude Kwitonda, Ohio University |
2015Jana Simonis, Southern Illinois University - Carbondale |
2014Michael D.D. Willits, Old Dominion University |
2013Stephen Mitchell, Wayne State University |
2012Lindsey M. Rose, Ohio University |
2011C. Kyle Rudick, Southern Illinois University - Carbondale |
2010Scott A. Myers, West Virgina UniversityLinsey A. Harvell, University of Oklahoma |
2009Mary Beth Asbury, University of KansasAndrew C. Tollison, University of Texas - Austin |
2008Katherine Denker, University of Missouri - ColumbiaJayne R. Henson, University of Missouri - Columbia |
2007Katherine Denker, University of Missouri - Columbia |
2006Joseph P. Mazer, Illinois State University |
2005Carolyn M. Prentice, University of Missouri - Columbia |
2004John F. Hooker, Purdue University |
2003Paul Schrodt, University of Nebraska - Lincoln |
2002Paul Schrodt, University of Nebraska - Lincoln |
2001Jennifer Davis, Oklahoma State University |
2000Travis Russ, Illinois State University |
1999Tamara D. Golish, University of Nebraska - Lincoln |
1998B. Scott Titsworth, University of Nebraska - Lincoln |
Griffin Award
The Em Griffin Award is named after Professor Em Griffin and is presented to the author(s) of the Top Paper submitted to the Communication Theory Interest Group. At the annual convention, the recipient receives a $25 cash award. The recipient of the Griffin Award is recognized at the Communication Theory Interest Group business meeting. For more information, contact the officers of the Communication Theory Interest Group.
2025Erin Ruppel, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee |
2024Josh Averbeck, Western Illinois University |
2023Patric Spence, University of Central Florida |
2022Not submitted by Interest Group. |
2021Not submitted by Interest Group. |
2020Riley Richards, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee |
2019Carissa S. Hoelscher, Missouri State University |
2018Xialing Lin, Penn State University; Worthington Scranton |
2017Robert G. Rice, University of Kentucky |
2016Robert Rice, University of Kentucky |
2015Nathan Miczo, Western Illinois University |
2014Jihyun Kim, Bloomsburg University |
2013Amanda Nell Edgar, University of Missouri, Columbia |
2012Rebecca J. Feunning, University of Wisconsin - Lacrosse |
2011Jay Brower, Western Connecticut State University |
2010Randall A. Rose, University of Nebraska, Omaha |
2009Jason Zingsheim, Governors State University |
2008Liliana L. Herakova, North Dakota State University |
2007Patric R. Spence, Calvin College |
2006Patric R. Spence, Western Kentucky University |
Hall of Fame
CSCA Hall of Fame membership is given to those who have been a member of CSCA for 25 years or more and who have contributed to the discipline of communication through meritorious scholarship, teaching/mentoring, participation at conventions, and service to the association.
Past recipients are:
2025 |
2024Dawn O. Braithwaite, University of Nebraska–Lincoln |
2023Christina S. Beck, Ohio University |
2022M. Chad McBride, Creighton University |
2021Mike Allen, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee |
2020Patrice M. Buzzanell, University of South Florida |
2019Scott A. Myers, West Virginia University |
2018Diana B. Carlin, University of Kansas |
2017J. Kevin Barge, Texas A&M University |
2016Lawrence R. Frey, University of Colorado Boulder |
2015William Cupach, Illinois State UniversitySteve Duck, University of Iowa Dorthy Pennington, University of Kansas |
2014Dennis Gouran, Pennsylvania State UniversityCynthia Berryman-Fink, University of Cincinnati |
2013Sandra Metts, Illinois State UniversityBill Seiler, University of Nebraska - Lincoln |
2012Melissa L. Beall, University of Northern IowaCarolyn Calloway-Thomas, Indiana University James W. Chesebro, Ball State University Lynn H. Turner, Marquette University |
2011Tom Pace, Southern Illinois University - CarbondaleDonn Parson, University of Kansas Judy Pearson, North Dakota State University David Zarefsky, Northwestern University |
2010Arlie V. Daniel, East Central UniversityGustav W. Friedrich, Rutgers University Bruce E. Gronbeck, University of Iowa |
2009Douglas Trank, University of Iowa |
2008Kenneth Andersen, University of IllinoisCharles Stewart, Purdue University |
2007Robert L. Scott, University of Minnesota |
2006Samuel L. Becker, University of IowaBernard L. Brock, Wayne State University Bobby Patton, Central Missouri State University Mary M. Roberts, Pittsburg State University Judith S. Trent, University of Cincinnati George Ziegelmueller, Wayne State University |
2005Loren Reid, University of Missouri |
2004Ernest Bormann, University of MinnesotaWilmer Linkugel, University of Kansas |
Inclusive Scholarship Award
The Inclusive Scholarship Award is sponsored by the CSCA Equity & Inclusion Committee (EIC). Its purpose is to highlight the most promising work by scholars in the areas of equity and inclusion. At the annual Awards and Business Luncheon, a plaque will be presented to the scholar(s) whose paper was chosen as the Top Inclusive Scholarship Paper.
Past recipients include the following:
2025Kathleen S. Valde, Northern Illinois University |
2024Joshua E. Young, Divine Word College |
2023Astrid Villamil, University of Missouri-Columbia |
Journal of Communication Pedagogy Article of the Year Award
The Journal of Communication Pedagogy Article of the Year Award recognizes one article that is deemed by the award committee to be the best article of the year for the calendar year prior to the CSCA convention.
Past recipients include the following:
2025Nicholas B. Lacy, Purdue University |
2024Gamze Yilmaz, University of Massachusetts Boston |
2023Adam Key, University of Arkansas at Monticello |
2022Elizabeth Spradley, Stephen F. Austin State University |
Kay Award
The Jack Kay Award for Community Engagement and Applied Communication Scholarship recognizes individual communication scholars (dyads and groups/teams are not eligible) who have achieved notable records of success in applying their work to confront issues of social injustice, inequality, intolerance, and prejudice. The award, thus, recognizes and celebrates a significant body of engaged, applied, and/or activist communication scholarship. The award is made possible through a generous gift from the Michigan Association of Speech Communication.
Past recipients are:
2025Karla M. Hunter, South Dakota State University |
2024Sandra L. Faulkner, Bowling Green State University |
2023Amy Aldridge Sanford, Middle Tennessee State University |
2022Kristina M. Scharp, University of Washington |
2021Jimmie Manning, University of Nevada, Reno |
2020Kate Magsamen-Conrad, University of Iowa |
2019Debbie Dougherty, University of Missouri |
2018Robert S. Littlefield, University of Central Florida |
2017Sharon (Shea) Howell, Oakland University |
Manning Award
The Manning Award is named for former CSCA Executive Director Jimmie Manning who founded the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Caucus when he was a graduate student at the University of Kansas. This award is presented to the author(s) of the Top Paper submitted to the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Caucus. At the annual convention, the recipient receives a $75 cash award. The recipient of the Manning Award is recognized at the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Caucus business meeting. For more information, contact the officers of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Caucus.
2025Dennis Ekwemnachukwu Okeke, University of Colorado Boulder |
2024Michaela D. E. Meyer, Christopher Newport University |
2023Danielle M. Stern, Christopher Newport University |
2022matthew heinz, Royal Roads University |
2021Evan Mitchell Schares, Villanova University |
2020Jimmie Manning, University of Nevada - Reno |
2019Maria Butauski, University of Missouri - Columbia |
Millar Award
The Dan Millar Award is named after former CSCA President and former CSCA Executive Director Dr. Dan Millar, in recognition of the depth and scope of his contributions to CSCA, higher education, and public relations practice. The Millar Award is presented to the author(s) of the Top Student Competitive Paper submitted to the Strategic and Applied Communication Interest Group. At the annual convention, the recipient receives a $75 cash award. The recipient of the Millar Award is recognized at the Strategic and Applied Communication Interest Group meeting. For more information, contact the officers of the Strategic and Applied Communication Interest Group.
2025Janet Laadi Anani, Illinois State University |
2024Kelsey Lunsford, University of Florida |
2023Abiodun Sadiq, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville |
2022No award submitted by Interest Group. |
2021Erin Perry, Wayne State University |
2020Paul Vogt, Northern Illinois University |
2019Meghana Rawat, Purdue University |
2018Henry Seeger, Purdue University |
2017Jenna L. Currie-Mueller, North Dakota State University |
2016No award submitted by Interest Group. |
2015Audra E. Clodfelter, Eastern Illinois University |
2014Heidi Sisler, Western Kentucky University |
2013James Scott Smith, University of Missouri, Columbia |
2012Lauren Oliver, Western Kentucky University |
2011Kasey Mathes, Western Kentucky University |
2010Rebekah Watson, University of Missouri, Columbia |
2009Jeff Fox, Northern Kentucky University |
2008Claudia Janssen, Purdue University |
2007No award submitted by Interest Group. |
2006Keesha Dhaene, Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville |
Outstanding State Journal and Manuscript Award
The Central States Communication Association (CSCA) States Advisory Council recognizes the top journal as well as the top manuscript at the annual CSCA conference.
2025Journal of the Communication, Speech & Theatre Association of North Dakota Mary Beth Deline, Illinois State University |
2024Journal of the Communication, Speech & Theatre Association of North Dakota Karla M. Hunter, South Dakota State University |
2023Journal of the Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri Rachel Murdock, Des Moines Area Community College |
2022Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal |
2021Iowa Journal of Communication |
2020Journal of the Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri |
2019Journal of the Communication, Speech, & Theatre Association of North Dakota |
2018Iowa Journal of Communication |
2017Ohio Communication Journal |
2016Iowa Journal of Communication |
2015Iowa Journal of Communication |
2014Iowa Journal of Communication |
2013Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal |
2012Journal of the Speech & Theatre Association of Missouri |
2011Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal |
2010Iowa Journal of Communication |
2009Iowa Journal of Communication |
2008Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal |
2007Iowa Journal of Communication |
2006Iowa Journal of Communication |
2005Iowa Journal of Communication Mary Elizabeth Bezanson, University of Minnesota - Morris |
2004Iowa Journal of Communication |
2003Iowa Journal of Communication |
2002Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal |
2001Journal of the Speech & Theatre Association of Missouri |
2000Iowa Journal of Communication |
1999Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal |
1998The North Dakota Journal of Speech & Theatre Scott A. Myers, Creighton University |
Past Officers Debut Paper Award
The Past Officers Debut Paper Award program is designed to showcase some of the most promising work of the discipline's graduate students and is sponsored by CSCA Past Officers. The competition is open to graduate students in all areas of the Communication discipline. At the annual convention, a cash award will be presented to the top debut paper selected.
Past recipients are:
2025Azmat Khan, Ohio University |
2024Candice L. Ruh, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee |
2023Sarah Elizabeth Keeton, Arizona State University |
2022Rebecca R. Todd, University of South Florida |
2021Md Enamul Kabir, Bowling Green State University |
2020Karly Louise Poyner, Ball State University |
2019Sydney O'Shay-Wallace, Wayne State University |
2018Carol L. Tschampl-Diesing, University of Nebraska - Lincoln |
2017Robert Nyaga, Purdue University |
2016Helen M. Lillie, Purdue University |
2015Olivia Conti, University of Wisconsin, Madison |
2014Elizabeth Wilhoit, Purdue University |
2013Liz Kinsley, Northwestern University |
2012Nancy Bressler, Bowling Green State University |
2011No award presented. |
2010Ryan Chestnut, Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville |
2009Haley A. Kranstuber, University of Nebraska - Lincoln |
2008Rachel Copley, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis |
2007Kathleen Reed, University of Missouri |
2006Carol A. Savery, University of Akron |
2005Sarah Angle, Texas Christian University |
2004Lisa R. Foster, University of Texas - Austin |
2003Jennifer H. Parker, University of Nebraska - Lincoln |
Pearson and Nelson Outstanding New Teacher Award
The Pearson and Nelson Outstanding New Teacher Award, named for former CSCA President and CSCA Hall of Fame member Judy C. Pearson and CSCA life member Paul E. Nelson, recognizes individuals early in their professional career who are showing distinction as teachers. Nominees may be teaching at any level from grade school through graduate school. The recipient of the Pearson and Nelson Outstanding New Teacher Award is recognized at the CSCA Hall of Fame Awards Luncheon and Business Meeting.
Past recipients of the award include the following talented professionals:
2025Sydney O'Shay, Utah State University |
2024Ahmet Aksoy, Columbia College - South Carolina |
2023Dakota C. Horn, Bradley University |
2022Stephen A. Spates, Missouri State University |
2021Stevie M. Munz, Utah Valley University |
2020Ashley Hinck, Xavier University |
2019Kristina M. Scharp, University of Washington (Graduate Teaching) |
2018Stephanie Tikkanen, Ohio University |
2017Tiffany R. Wang, University of Montevallo |
2016Sara A. Mehitretter Drury, Wabash College |
2015Lisa Hanasono, Bowling Green State University |
2014Brittany L. Peterson, Ohio University |
2013Joseph P. Mazer, Clemson UniversityErin Willer, University of Denver |
2012Jessica J. Eckstein, Western Connecticut State University |
2011Andrew M. Ledbetter, Texas Christian University |
2010Kristen Lucas, University of Nebraska - Lincoln |
2009Jimmie Manning, Northern Kentucky University |
2008Jordan Soliz, University of Nebraska - Lincoln |
2007Jody Koenig Kellas, University of Nebraska - LincolnAnna E.S. Oxborrow, Washington Community High School Kristen P. Treinen, Minnesota State University - Mankato |
2006Paul Schrodt, University of Kansas |
2005Dacia Charlesworth, Robert Morris UniversityNicole Egbert, Kent State University Lance Lippert, Illinois State University |
2004Adrianne Kunkel, University of KansasTerry Robertson, University of South Dakota John T. Warren, Bowling Green State University |
2003Josh Boyd, Purdue UniversityCarmen McAlester, Wilburton (OK) High School Paul Turman, University of Northern Iowa |
2002Steven Hunt, Illinois State University |
2001Bettina Heinz, Bowling Green State UniversityAnita Rich, Eastern Michigan University |
2000Cheri Simonds, Illinois State UniversityPaaige Turner, Saint Louis University David Worley, Indiana State University |
1999Carol Bruess, University of St. ThomasGary Meyer, Marquette University Donna Pawlowski, Creighton University |
1998Keith Denslow, Camanche HighMelissa Hancox, Western Michigan University Mary Keehner, Purdue University K. E. Supriya, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee |
1995Brent Brossman, John Carroll UniversityElizabeth Lamoureux, Illinois State University William Wardrope, University of Central Oklahoma |
1994Suzanne Daughton, Southern Illinois University - CarbondaleLauren Morgan, Pekin (IL) High School Russell Proctor, Northern Kentucky University V. Scott Smithson, Purdue University North Central |
1993Kathryn Olson, University of Wisconsin - MilwaukeeVictoria Leta DeFrancisco, University of Northern Iowa Rachel Holloway, Virginia Polytechnical & State University Catherine Palczewski, St. John's University |
1992Jeanne Tessler Barone, Indiana University-Purdue University Ft. WayneJed Friedrichsen, Millard South (NE) High School Kate Joeckel, Simpson College Timothy Sellnow, North Dakota State University |
1991Jeff Bineham, St. Cloud State UniversityPaul Mongeau, Miami University Derek Lane, University of Oklahoma Marcia Grisanzio |
1990Diane Badzinski, University of Nebraska - LincolnKathryn Rowan, Purdue University Rosemary Martinez, Putnam City North (OK) High School |
1989Michael Balmert, Carlow CollegeRenee Meyers, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Patricia Palmerton, Hamline University Sandi Smith, Michigan State University |
Skalski Award
The Paul D. Skalski Award is named after the late Cleveland State University Associate Professor of Communication Dr. Paul D. Skalski. The Skalski Award is presented to the author(s) of the Top Paper submitted to the Graduate Student Caucus. The recipient receives a $75 cash award and a certificate. The recipient of the Skalski Award is recognized at the Graduate Student Caucus business meeting. For more information, contact the officers of the Graduate Student Caucus.
2025Emmanuel O. Odunfa, University of Oklahoma |
2024Gertrude Misornu Nartey, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee |
2023Amanda E. Lilly, Purdue University |
2022Tyler Donavon Curran, Missouri State University |
2021Jessica Kahlow, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee |
2020Maureen Wieland, Purdue University |
Trent Award
The Judith S. Trent Award for Early Career Excellence in Political Communication honors an early career scholar who has an outstanding record of research in the area of political communication. “Early career” is defined as within the first 15 years of receiving a Ph.D. in Communication or a related field. The recipient of the Trent Award receives a $75 cash award and a certificate. The recipient of the Trent Award is recognized at the Political Communication Interest Group business meeting. For more information, contact the officers of the Political Communication Interest Group.
2025Robert Hinck, Air University |
2024Calvin Coker, University of Louisville |
2023Freddie J. Jennings, University of Arkansas |
2022Josh Scacco, University of South Florida |
2021Kelly L. Winfrey, Iowa State University |
2020Ryan Neville-Shepard, University of Arkansas |
2019Benjamin R. Warner, University of Missouri - Columbia |
Warren Mentorship Award
The Warren Mentorship Award, named in honor of the late and beloved Dr. John T. Warren, recognizes a mid-career scholar who exhibits some of the many virtues John himself exuded as a mentor, scholar, and engaged member of the discipline. To that end, those who are nominated should excel in all aspects of their careers—teaching, research/creativity, service, and engagement—but first and foremost demonstrate excellence as a mentor. The recipient of the Warren Award is recognized at the CSCA Hall of Fame Awards Luncheon and Business Meeting.
2025Sarah S. LeBlanc, Purdue University Fort Wayne |
2024Sarah E. Riforgiate, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee |
2023Maria K. Venetis, Rutgers University |
2022Ryan Neville-Shepard, University of Arkansas |
2021Sandy Pensoneau-Conway, Southern Illinois University |
2020Leslie J. Harris, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee |
2019Jimmie Manning, University of Nevada, Reno |
2018Kelly M. Young, Wayne State University |
