Ahmet Atay named Distinguished Scholar by National Communication Association’s International and Intercultural Communication Division

Ahmet Atay, professor of communication studies and chair of global media and digital studies at The College of Wooster, received the Distinguished Scholar Award from the International and Intercultural Communication Division during the National Communication Association conference Nov. 16-19. The award celebrates the research of an established scholar who has made significant scholarly contributions to the field of international and intercultural communication.

Atay, a 20-year member of the association and chair of the International and Intercultural Communication Division in 2018-19, has written and co-edited more than 20 books and 70 articles and chapters in media studies, cultural studies, intercultural communication, and postcolonial studies. He also has served as an editorial board member of several journals including Journal of International and Intercultural Communication. Currently, he is president of the Central States Communication Association.

“Dr. Atay is a prolific scholar who has made significant contributions to our understanding of internationals and intercultural communication. His work is interdisciplinary and focuses on critical examinations of globalization, queer identity, interactive and social media, and critical pedagogy and mentoring,” Alberto González, professor of communication at Bowling Green State University, wrote in Atay’s nomination letter. González also praised Atay for his ability to compose a clear and coherent research agenda in conference papers, panel discussions, and publications that centers the advancement of social justice and inclusion in academia generally and in the classroom specifically.

The College and students have benefited from his training and research in international and intercultural communication, Atay said. In addition to being an active participant in conversations and initiatives about diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, he developed the first intercultural communication course in communication studies and integrated a global and intercultural perspective in communication studies and global media and digital studies.

“As international researchers we are often underestimated and overlooked. Hence, this award means more to me because we don’t often receive the recognition that we deserve,” Atay said. “I am extremely proud and happy to be the recipient of this award. When I was a graduate student, I could never dream of receiving such awards. Now it is a reality. I hope this award will inspire the next generation of international scholars, because they can also achieve recognition in our field.”

Posted in Faculty, News on December 7, 2023.