Dr. Karrin Vasby Anderson, Professor of Communication Studies, has been named a 2025 Distinguished Scholar by the National Communication Association, joining the ranks of scholars who have achieved “a lifetime of scholarly achievement in the study of human communication” and who showcase the communication profession.

“As a CSU M.A. alum and someone who has spent my entire career as a faculty member here, I share this award with my former professors, my incredible students and colleagues, and the institution that nurtured my scholarly career,” said Anderson. “I am grateful to be part of this academic community.”

Dr. Anderson is an expert on gender and U.S. politics, with her scholarship fundamentally shaping the study of women’s political rhetoric in both campaigns and popular media. What sets her work apart isn’t just its academic rigor – it’s her incredible reach and influence.

Her research has received top honors from various scholarly organizations and is largely recognized beyond academia. With over 750,000 readers engaging with her articles in The Conversation and her research appearing in outlets such as The Atlantic, The Guardian, and Time, Dr. Anderson has proven that academic research can spark meaningful public discourse.

In addition to her public engagement, as editor of the Quarterly Journal of Speech, Dr. Anderson significantly increased diversity and inclusion of decolonial, anti-racist, and feminist perspectives, elevating the journal’s scholarly impact.

Beyond research, she has mentored hundreds of students, helped launch a new Ph.D. program, and earned multiple awards for her commitment to graduate education. Her service to the profession and dedication to justice and equity have made her a respected leader within the NCA.

“Dr. Anderson’s impact on the discipline of Communication Studies and our department cannot be understated,” said Dr. Elizabeth Williams, Chair of the Department of Communication Studies. “Her award-winning research has led the way in the field of political rhetoric and gender. She has shaped the discipline through her service as editor to one of our premier journals. Under her leadership, our department launched a successful doctoral program.”

But her contributions extend beyond these professional milestones. Much of her profound impact comes from the individual relationships she has cultivated throughout her career.

“Each of Dr. Anderson’s accomplishments is impressive on its own, but perhaps more notable is the less public impact she has had,” said Dr. Williams. “She has mentored countless graduate students, guided early-career faculty, and been a staunch advocate for her colleagues, the discipline, the Liberal Arts, and the values at the heart of higher education. Our department is thrilled that Dr. Anderson has been recognized with this career achievement award, and we are thankful for all the ways she has used her talents to advance the discipline.”

Congratulations, Dr. Anderson!