Angharad N. Valdivia, an emerita professor of the Department of Latina/Latino Studies and the Institute of Communications Research and a leading scholar of critical-cultural, feminist, and Latina/o/x/e media studies, was awarded the National Communication Association Distinguished Scholar Award at the association's annual meeting in Denver, Colorado. The honor recognizes her distinguished career devoted to improving our understanding of human connection.
From the award committee:
"As one of the few full Latina professors in media and communication studies in the United States, she stands as a leading and prolific voice, having published eight books, edited collections, encyclopedias, more than 60 articles, and 40 book chapters central to the field.
Dr. Valdivia’s innovative scholarship has been recognized through her appointment as editor-in-chief of Communication Theory, a top-tier journal, and she continues to shape the discipline with her upcoming edited collections on critical media studies and Latinx girlhood in popular culture. Her dedication to mentorship is nationally and internationally renowned, supporting graduate students particularly focused on advancing Latina/o communication and media studies, and fostering growth from individual guidance to group and programmatic development. Dr. Valdivia’s distinguished service includes leadership on editorial boards and administrative positions, reflecting her respected standing and her ability to excel as a researcher, teacher, administrator, and mentor in the communication discipline. "