The International Communication section of the International Studies Association named Dean Ernest J. Wilson III its 2009 Distinguished Scholar at the Association's annual meeting in New York on Feb. 15.

The ISA represents a community of scholars sharing their knowledge and findings and working together to meet the challenges of a changing global community through research and education — a mission Dean Wilson said he especially values.

"As a full-time administrator who also tries to remain an active researcher and author, it was especially encouraging to receive an award for my scholarship," Dean Wilson said. "It has inspired me to continue my scholarly work in the area of international communications."

Journalism professor Philip Seib accepted the award on behalf of Dean Wilson. Among other activities at the conference, Seib presented a paper titled America's New Approach to Africa: AFRICOM and Public Diplomacy in the all-day workshop, "Great Powers After the Bush Presidency: Interests, Strategies, and Narratives." Seib was the panel chair and discussant for both "Images of Conflict: Their Sources and Effect," and "Media Coverage of Religion: Framing Discourse on Tradition and Future."

"Dean Wilson serves as an inspiration for many in the field of international communication," said Laura Roselle, who was president of the International Communication Section of the International Studies Association when he was nominated for the award. "His ability to tie together scholarship on communication and information technology, public policy, and the public interest is important and timely. In addition, he thinks broadly about the international and cultural dimensions involved in technological innovation."

International Studies Association