Seiler inducted into communicators hall of fame

William Seiler
William Seiler

William Seiler, professor of communication studies, has been inducted into the Central States Communication Association's Hall of Fame.

Seiler received the award and delivered an address during the association's annual conference, held April 2-7 in Kansas City. Only two members of the association were inducted into the hall of fame this year.

Induction into the Central States Communication Association’s Hall of Fame recognizes the highest level of service to the association through mentoring of fellow members; fulfilling the responsibilities of various offices; regular participation on conference panels as a presenter or respondent; and advancing the mission of the association through other means.

Dawn Braithwaite, professor and chair of communication studies, initially nominated Seiler for the honor. Colleagues and former students supplied additional nomination letters.

B. Scott Titsworth, a former student who is now dean of the Scripps College of Communication at Ohio University, wrote that Seiler was not only a remarkable mentor, but that he has been a mentor to communication educators across the country.

“Bill’s innovations in the basic (communication) course have resulted in him being respected as a national leader in the basic course,” Titsworth wrote in his nomination letter. “Because Bill has been at Nebraska for nearly his entire career, the central states region has been viewed as the unquestioned hotbed for basic course innovation and development.”

Seiler is always humbled when receiving awards and this experience was no different.

“It’s just really a wonderful recognition of the work I’ve done over the years and this is my 41st year at the university,” Seiler said. “I am proud not only for myself, but I’m proud of the university and for the recognition that Nebraska has received over the years because of the involvement of our faculty and students.

“It’s really a wonderful honor and a culmination of my work. It is humbling that people took the time to write the nomination letters in support of me and for me to actually get the award.”

In his presentation to conference attendees, Seiler spoke of his service to the organization and how it sculpted his career, as well as provided him with professional support.

“One of the things that I pride myself on is that many of the students who have taken on leadership roles not only in the association, but in their careers, were either advisees or students of mine,” Seiler said. “While I can’t honestly say that I was responsible for their accomplishments directly, I can say that Nebraska students both past and present get involved and are active in their professional associations as both participants and as leaders.”

— Deann Gayman, University Communications