UA Advertising Professor Emeritus Wins National Educator Award

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Dr. Bruce Roche, professor emeritus in The University of Alabama’s department of advertising and public relations, recently received the inaugural Distinguished Advertising Educator Award from the American Advertising Federation at its annual meeting in Boca Raton, Fla.

Roche, a Texas native, was a professor of advertising at UA for 22 years. He founded the UA Advertising Club in 1973 and the UA Ad Team in 1974, and he advised both groups until his retirement.

“Dr. Roche taught thousands of UA students over the years, and he touched thousands of lives,” said Dr. Joseph Phelps, professor of advertising and public relations and department chair. “Teaching is the legacy he cares most about. His influence on advertising education extends far beyond the borders of our state. This national award honors his tireless education efforts that continue to this day.”

Roche is a former president of AAF Tuscaloosa and was governor of the Seventh District of the AAF, which serves five Deep South states. He was a member of the national AAF board of directors. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The University of Texas and his doctorate from Southern Illinois University. Before coming to the University, he taught at Texas State University and Southern Illinois University.