On Saturday, Nov. 18, the University of Montevallo became the first higher education institution in the state of Alabama to receive the National Communication Association’s Undergraduate College and University Section Rex Mix Program of Excellence Award.
The annual award recognizes excellence in small undergraduate communication departments with emphasis on curriculum, program quality, course design and special programs.
A group of UM communication studies professors and students accepted the award at the National Communication Association’s annual convention in Dallas.
“Being able to accept the 2017 NCA Rex Mix Program of Excellence Award alongside UM colleagues, students and alumni in Dallas has been one of the highlights of my career at UM,” said Dr. Tiffany Wang, assistant professor of communication studies.
In addition to accepting the award, Wang, along with fellow faculty members Dr. Sally Hardig and Dr. Ray Ozley, as well as students Mollie Boynton, Christie Johnson, Paris Nelson, Xavier Scruggs and alumna Becky Leach ’15, offered a half-hour presentation highlighting distinct features of UM’s program during the conference.
“Having our program’s hard work and dedication recognized at the national level allowed us to share what makes our program unique with colleagues from around the country,” said Wang.
The four UM communication students attending the conference also had the opportunity to present their original research.
“My first NCA Conference was an awesome experience. As a current researcher, it felt great to be around others that have similar research interests as me,” said Scruggs, a senior communication studies minor. “The Communication Studies Program is dedicated to ensuring our success as students.”
Past winners of the award include Wake Forest University, Concordia University, John Carroll University and Hope College.
“I am proud to be a part of our award-winning program and look forward to continuing our tradition of academic excellence in years to come,” said Wang.