| awards | James C. Craven Freedom of the Press Award (2001). |
| Freedom Forum Journalism Teacher of the Year (1998)(Julie Wurth's story). | |
| Outstanding Faculty Member (Dad's Association, University of Illinois, 1998) | |
| Harriet and Charles Luckman Undergraduate Distinguished Teaching Award (1996). | |
| Honorable Mention for essay submitted to "A Contest for Papers and Projects Sponsored by AEJMC's Teaching Standards Committee Commemorating the Bicentennial of the Bill of Rights" (1991). | |
| UI Special Award from AMOCO Foundation in recognition of outstanding use of Instructional Award (1985). | |
| UI Instructional Award for course development (1984). | |
| Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching at the University of Illinois (1982). | |
| College of Communications Teacher of the Year (1995-1996, 1981-1982, 1980-1981). | |
| Winner of competition for papers presented at Media and the Law conference, University of Wisconsin at Madison (1980). |