U Professor of Communication Avery Holton is National Finalist for Scripps Howard Administrator of the Year Award

Avery Holton, chair of the Department of Communication at the University of Utah, was recently acknowledged as one of two national finalists along with awardee Hub Brown (University of Florida) for Administrator of the Year in the 73rd annual Scripps Howard Journalism Awards.

Presented by the Scripps Howard Fund in partnership with the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, the awards recognize excellence across hundreds of entries from journalists, educators, and media leaders nationwide. Established in 1953, the Scripps Howard Journalism Awards are widely regarded as among the most prestigious honors in the field, recognizing work that strengthens journalism, education and democratic engagement.

Being named Administrator of the Year Finalist signals Holton as a standout among the most impactful leaders in journalism and mass communication education in the country.

“Avery’s recognition as a Scripps Howard finalist reflects not only his national reputation as a scholar, but also his extraordinary leadership as an administrator, mentor, and advocate for students and faculty,” said Wanda Pillow, Dean of the U’s College of Humanities. 

“His approach to leadership, which centers the wellbeing and success of students, faculty and staff as well as cross-cutting and innovative teaching and strategic partnerships, has helped the Department of Communication grow tremendously and sustainability during extraordinary times. His selection as a finalist underscores the strength of the University of Utah’s communication program and Avery's role in shaping the future of the field."

Holton is a full professor and serves as chair of the nationally ranked Department of Communication at the U. The department, which has undergone nearly 100% enrollment growth during Holton’s time as chair, is home to nearly 1,200 undergraduate majors, has engaged in more than $80 million in national and international grants since 2020, launched the Edna Anderson-Taylor Communication Institute to amplify the work of women and minority journalists in 2023, launched the department’s first international graduate program at the U’s Asia Campus, and will launch a new multi-million dollar broadcasting and digital media studio in partnership with U Athletics and Utes Productions for fall 2026.

Under Holton's leadership, the department has significantly expanded its national and global profile, ranking among the Top 10 in the country in research publication and citation, book publication, and grant engagement. The department was also recently ranked as one of the top Communication programs globally, reaching No. 29 in the world and No. 16 in the U.S. by ShanghaiRanking. These marked the highest rankings in the department’s history.

As part of his nomination profile for the Scripps Howard award, colleagues noted Holton as a champion for student-centered vision that prioritizes well-being, mentorship and access to professional pathways. They noted he has played a key role in strengthening student media as a core experiential learning environment, ensuring students have opportunities to produce impactful journalism and storytelling across platforms. His leadership was emphasized as building inclusive, collaborative academic spaces that support student success, faculty innovation, staff growth and community engagement.

At the national level, Holton serves as Head of the Council of Divisions for the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, where he helps guide one of the field’s largest academic organizations. He previously served as Co-Coordinator of Research for the U’s Center for Excellence in Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications Research, an interdisciplinary initiative that received nearly $8.1 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health over an eight-year period.

A nationally recognized scholar, Holton’s research explores digital and social media, journalism and the intersections of identity, health and technology. He has authored and co-authored more than 100 journal articles, book chapters, and books and has received numerous honors, including a National Humanities Center Fellowship and a Digital Media Research Group Fellowship with Oslo Metropolitan University.