Esther Thorson Ph.D. Honored with Prestigious Deutschmann Research Award

Michigan State University School of Journalism Professor Esther Thorson Ph.D.

Michigan State University School of Journalism Professor Esther Thorson Ph.D. received the prestigious Paul J. Deutschmann research award at this month's Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) convention in Toronto.

Thorson became the fourth woman to be honored in the award's 50-year history. She was honored at a panel discussion of  70 attendees, including many of Thorson's former students and colleagues.

Deutschmann panel speaker Dunwoody Deutschmann praised Thorson's impact in higher education.

"You have not only made major contributions to our field as a researcher and teacher but have also given your friends countless hours of heart-stopping amusement," Deutschmann said. "You are one of a kind and I, for one, have been enriched by our many adventures. Congratulations on this Deutschmann honor."

Another panelist, Duffy Deutschmann, praised Thorson for both breaking new theoretical ground in a wide array of subjects and having more than 10,000 citations.

"For me, like many of you, Esther's friendship is a genuine treasure," Duffy Deutschmann said. "Her strong ethical core, her kindness, and her genuine care for others are inspirational. She makes those around her better and makes the world a better place. Thank you, Esther."

By Richard Epps