WKU News

The editors of American Journalism, the peer-reviewed quarterly journal of the American Journalism Historians Association, have announced Rich Shumate of Western Kentucky University as the winner of the 2021 Rising Scholar Award.

Shumate receives this honor and $2,000 award in recognition of his ongoing research titled “Style, Spin, and Strategy: The Kennedy Press Conferences,” which is a scholarly examination of the ground-breaking biweekly press conferences during John F. Kennedy's presidency.

“I very much appreciate AJHA's support for my research and this project, and I'm honored and pleased to have been selected,” Shumate said.

Nicholas Hirshon, associate editor of American Journalism, said Shumate has an impressive track record of successful projects.

"Dr. Shumate's book would shed new light on the unprecedented adoption of television news conferences by one of the most significant political figures in American history," Hirshon said. "We are proud to support his travel to the JFK Library and look forward to reading his research."

The Rising Scholar Award winner is chosen annually by the editors of American Journalism. The award is designed for scholars who show promise in extending their research agendas.

Founded in 1981, the American Journalism Historians Association seeks to advance education and research in mass communication history. Members work to raise historical standards and ensure that all scholars and students recognize the vast importance of media history and apply this knowledge to the advancement of society. For more information on AJHA, visit http://www.ajhaonline.org.