UC communication professor receives distinguished scholarship award
Ronald L. Jackson II earns award in Africana Communication from the NCA
By Rebecca Schweitzer
University of Cincinnati professor of communication Ronald L. Jackson II has been named the 2021 recipient of the Orlando L. Taylor Distinguished Scholarship Award in Africana Communication from the National Communication Association.
This award, the only one in the field of communication designed to honor a scholar who has shown dedication and commitment in the field of African American and African Diaspora communication, is named for the first Black president of the association, Orlando L. Taylor.
“Given that I have worked arduously to build a program of research over the last 26 years that has offered well-cited foundational texts for the study of African American communication, this is one of the most meaningful awards in my career,” Jackson said.
UC professor of communication Ronald L. Jackson II
The award holds additional meaning for Jackson as he was able to serve as the second Black president of the National Communication Association, following Orlando Taylor, one of his long-time mentors and colleagues.
Jackson, who has been considered a trailblazer in the field of African American communication and culture, has contributed to the communications field for over two decades by methods of theory and praxis, according to the group.
In UC's College of Arts and Sciences, Jackson has served as a professor of communication since 2012 and from the years of 2012-2013, held the position of dean of Arts and Sciences.
“NCA’s annual awards honor communication scholars’ teaching, scholarship, and service,” said NCA Interim Executive Director, Linda Taliaferro, CAE. “NCA is proud to recognize Dr. Jackson’s significant contributions to the Communication discipline with this award.”
The award will be presented to Jackson at the NCA 107th Annual Convention in Seattle, WA on November 20. This convention will be live-streamed for those unable to attend.
Featured image at top: A fountain on UC's Uptown campus. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Creative + Brand
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