Distinguished UC professor receives career achievement recognition

Award makes three in a row for researcher Gail Fairhurst

UC College of Arts and Sciences research professor Gail Fairhurst was awarded an International Communications Association (ICA) Career Achievement Award. The Steve Chaffee Career Achievement Award goes to theoretical development or research related to communication studies.

The ICA created the award in 2000 for its namesake, Steven H. Chaffee, who was a trailblazing scholar in journalism and communications academia.  

UC professor of communication Gail Fairhurst receives an ICA career achievement award.

UC professor of communication Gail Fairhurst receives an ICA career achievement award. Photo/Provided

Fairhurst was recognized for her research in the school for Communication, Film, and Media Studies, focusing on dialogue and how it pertains to leaders and organizations.

Fairhurst feels that her area of study is crucial for people to effectively work with one another.

“Communication in organizations is complex. The communication scholar is someone who helps them wade through complexity to help them understand how communication can see a better path forward,” said Fairhurst.

The awarded recipient typically has a collection of work that spans multiple publications, inspired published research that precedes the initial work, and spans over their career.

The celebratory career award adds to her catalog of achievements, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Leadership Association, as well as one of her books being named Book of the Year by the National Communication Association, both from last fall.

The award required multiple peers and past students to speak to the significance of her work to her field of study.

Fairhurst was flattered to be recognized by an award given to other renowned scholars in her field.  

 “It’s a group of scholars who especially matter to me. To receive the award is quite lovely,” said Fairhurst.

Featured image at top: Man working on mobile device. Credit/TheDigitalArtist for Pixabay.

Headshot of By Emily Widman

By Emily Widman

Student Journalist, College of Arts and Sciences Marketing & Communication

artscinews@ucmail.uc.edu

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