Sandi Smith, a professor in Michigan State University’s Department of Communication and director of the Health and Risk Communication Center, has been named a 2016 Distinguished Scholar by the National Communication Association.
Given annually, the NCA Distinguished Scholar Award is the association’s highest accolade and honors a lifetime of scholarly achievement in the study of human communication.
“Sandi is one of the most accomplished scholars in the field of health communication with the rare distinction of being recognized both as NCA and ICA fellow, which speaks volumes of her contribution to the discipline,” said Prabu David, dean of the MSU College of Communication Arts and Sciences.
Smith was recognized for her 30 years of work as a leading scholar in health and interpersonal communication, especially focusing on how messages and social norms influence health behaviors. She focuses on critical social issues, including alcohol consumption, breast cancer screenings and organ donations.
She has produced more than 120 publications, including an award-winning edited volume, 15 book chapters, and 88 peer-reviewed journal articles.
She has received honors for her teaching and research from student groups, professional associations and universities. In 2007, she was honored with the MSU Distinguished Faculty Award and in 2012 she was named a fellow of the International Communication Association.
An MSU faculty member for more than 25 years, Smith received her Ph.D. in communication from the University of Southern California.
“The Communication discipline has a long tradition of exceptional scholarship,” NCA Executive Director Nancy Kidd. “We’re proud to recognize Dr. Smith’s contributions with this well-deserved award.”
For more information about NCA’s awards program, visit http://www.natcom.org/awards/.