Dr. Lucinda Davenport and Professor Eric Freedman were recognized for their exemplary work in the Michigan State University School of Journalism at the 2019 Awards Convocation.
Dr. Davenport, the Director of the MSU School of Journalism, won the Robert F. Banks Award for Institutional Leadership. The award is presented to a member of the faculty, academic staff or support staff in recognition of extraordinary and sustained institutional leadership that advances MSU's commitment to connectivity, quality and inclusion.
Dr. Davenport believes that a rising tide lifts all ships, and her leadership style adheres to that philosophy. She has led the School of Journalism to successes such as a substantial increase in programs that embed innovative techniques and creativity through the curriculum, new concentrations and minors, an undergraduate time-to-degree average of 4.02 years, and the debut of a $1.4-million state-of-the-art newsroom.
Other accomplishments that were recognized include increased internship opportunities for students, student diversity efforts, day-trips to media organizations, additional study abroad programs, unsurpassed numbers of national student awards, $200,000 in annual scholarships, student-produced broadcast news shows and websites, and 14 diversity guides.
Dr. Davenport thanked the School of Journalism faculty last week for the award, saying "this award is a reflection on all of you."
Freedman earned the William J. Beal Outstanding Faculty Award, which recognizes a comprehensive and sustained record of scholarly excellence in research and/or creative activities, instruction and outreach.
Freedman strives to advance the essential role of a free press in a democracy, transparent governance, and informed citizen activism.
Freedman leads the Capital News Service, where students report on public policy in Michigan. He is also the Knight chair and Director of the Knight Center for Environmental Journalism.
Freedman praised the support of Dr. Davenport last week, saying "This couldn't have happened without your support." Both awards are supported by the Office of University Development at Michigan State University.