TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Dr. Caryl Cooper, assistant professor of advertising and public relations at The University of Alabama, was a member of the winning team that received the Stephen H. Coltrin Award for Excellence in Communications Education at the 30th International Radio and Television Society (IRTS) Foundation Faculty/Industry Seminar.
The prize, a $2,500 check, was presented by Brad Thatcher, vice president at Coltrin & Associates, to the team with the best presentation in the annual case study competition.
“We applaud educators like Dr. Cooper, who are committed to keeping their teaching timely and relevant in an effort to prepare tomorrow’s communicators for the challenges they will face,” said IRTS Foundation President Joyce Tudryn.
This year’s case, “The Westcom Consulting Project,” challenged professors to examine one of three major media companies (NewsCorp, Time Warner, or Viacom/CBS) in terms of history, organization, operations and finance, before recommending a strategy for future success. Conferees had an opportunity to meet with industry leaders in preparation for the competition. The seminar is limited to 75 professors selected through a competitive application process. The case study was authored by Dr. Richard Gershon, associate professor at Western Michigan University.
The IRTS Foundation evolved from an organization, founded in 1939 when a group of radio executives began informally meeting to discuss mutual interests. Its goal today is to bring together the wisdom of yesterday’s founders, the power of today’s leaders, and the promise of tomorrow’s young industry professionals.
Contact
Lance M. Skelly, Office of Media Relations, 205/348-3782