Two Communication Studies faculty members were honored at the Ohio Communication Association's 2021 Conference, "Resilience Through Communication," Oct. 1-2, 2021, at Youngstown State University. This was the Association's 85th annual conference.
Professor Nichole Egbert, Ph.D., earned the Distinguished Scholar Award, which honors the contributions of one of Ohio's top scholars. Egbert's research examines interpersonal and relational topics in health communication, most notably social support and health literacy. Professor Erin Hollenbaugh, Ph.D., nominated Egbert for the award and introduced her at the Association's award ceremony, highlighting the way Egbert has mentored her and other junior colleagues over the years.
"Dr. Egbert invites diverse perspectives in research, helps to identify meaningful places where theory and practice align, and mobilizes others to do their best work," Hollenbaugh said. "I should also say that it is personally empowering to work with an accomplished female scholar who rose through the ranks at a young age. Knowing that she respects my work, believes in my abilities, and is there to help along the way has helped me excel, and countless others. The contributions that Nichole has made to the discipline and her willingness to advance in her research and mentor others in order to address practically significant health topics provides an exceptional model for other Ohio communication scholars."
Emeritus Professor Jerry Feezel, Ph.D., was also honored at the conference, earning the Earl W. Wiley Presidential Award. During his Â鶹ÊÓƵ career, Feezel was Faculty Senate Vice Chair, Undergraduate Program Coordinator in Communication Studies, Associate Dean in Research and Graduate Studies and interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. In addition to numerous state, regional, and national conference papers, Feezel has authored over 65 articles, two books, and three book chapters.
Congratulations to Drs. Egbert and Feezel on these honors from the Ohio Communication Association!
The Ohio Communication Association is one of the five oldest state communication associations in the U.S. Its goal is to provide platforms that foster teaching as well as opportunities to publish, present and serve the discipline.