UA Journalism Professor Receives National History Teaching Award

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Dr. David Sloan, a professor of journalism at The University of Alabama, has received the National Award for Excellence in Teaching for the field of mass communication history.

The American Journalism Historians Association presented the award to Sloan at its annual convention Oct. 6-9 in Tucson, Ariz.

The chair of the selection committee, Barbara Friedman of the University of North Carolina, noted the “judges gave [Sloan] the highest ranking in each category.”

Sloan, who joined the faculty in 1982, has published more than 30 books, and his book “The Media in America” is the most widely used media history textbook. His students have presented 140 research papers at conferences and won more than 20 awards. They have also written 10 books and 45 book chapters.

“[Judges] lauded his accomplishments as a teacher and as a scholar nurturing young historians, evidenced by his many contributions to the AJHA and his influential research, among other things,” Friedman said. “Colleagues and former students noted his passion for teaching and commitment to advancing the field.”

Dr. Jennifer Greer, chair of UA’s department of journalism, said Sloan’s influence on students – especially at the graduate level – is vast. Most of the scholars working in journalism history have trained with him, relied heavily on his scholarship or used his text to teach their own students.

“Almost every media history scholar I’ve met has cited David as a major influence in his or her career,” Greer said. “His impact on the field cannot be overstated.”

Friedman agreed, saying, “We appreciate his many contributions. It is the dedication of people like him that helps to advance the study of media history and foster an enthusiastic cadre of teachers and young scholars.”

See Sloan accept the award at http://jnews.ua.edu/2010/10/sloan-recognized-as-top-journalism-history-teacher/.