Associate Professor Karma Chávez has received two awards from the National Communication Association (NCA)! From the Latino Studies Division she has been named the 2015 Córdova-Puchot Scholar of the Year, and from the Caucus on GLBTQ Concerns she was given the Lambda Award for LGBTQ Advocacy. Both awards are tremendous honors and distinguish Professor Chávez for her proactive methodologies and high caliber scholarship in Latino and LGBTQ communities.
When asked about receiving the awards, Professor Chávez said, “It’s a really great honor. You don’t do your work to win awards, but it always feels positive to have your peers affirm you.”
Communication Arts colleague Professor Rob Asen said, “Karma’s research has helped scholars better understand the rhetorical dynamics of coalitions, activism, and social change.” He continued, “Living in a diverse society, we need to understand how people from different backgrounds can come together and work to achieve shared goals. Karma’s research enables this understanding.”
“I hope my research helps marginalized people to see their experiences as legitimate and worthy of being considered as sites of knowledge. I also hope that I can use my various expertise to connect with communities outside of those I write about,” Professor Chávez added.
The Department is proud of Professor Chávez and her continued scholarly excellence!