Gary Kreps Named 2019 Distinguished Scholar by the National Communication Association

by Anne Reynolds

Gary Kreps Named 2019 Distinguished Scholar by the National Communication Association

Gary Kreps, University Distinguished Professor of Communication and founding director of Mason’s Center for Health and Risk Communication, has been named a 2019 Distinguished Scholar by the National Communication Association (NCA).

Dr. Gary Kreps and Dr. Star Muir, President, NCADr. Gary Kreps with Dr. Star Muir, President, NCA

"Gary Kreps is a prolific scholar and a staunch advocate for inclusion and equity,” said Anne Nicotera, chair, Department of Communication. “His work makes a significant impact on the communication discipline, while consistently serving the interests of George Mason University and most importantly, its students. We are honored to work with such an ardent advocate."

The NCA created the Distinguished Scholar Award in 1991 to recognize its members for a lifetime of scholarly achievement in the study of communication. Considered the association’s highest honor, the distinction recognizes excellence in the communication profession. In its recognition of Kreps, the NCA noted his status as one of the leading health communication scholars in the discipline, a trailblazer in the field who has created and provided service to several programs and institutes, maintaining an aggressive research agenda, and securing millions of dollars in federal grants to address real world issues through theory and applied communication scholarship. He has published over 400 peer-reviewed journal articles, nearly sixty books, monographs, and edited journals, has been the recipient of numerous awards, and has frequently served on advisory, editorial, and scientific review boards.

A member of Mason’s faculty since 2004, Kreps has worked in many roles throughout the university. He served as chair, Department of Communication, from 2004 – 2013. In addition, he has worked as a faculty affiliate for the Institute for Bio-health Innovation, the National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, the Center for Health Policy and Ethics, the Center for the Study of International Medical Policies and Practices, the Center for Climate Change Communication, the Center for the Advancement of Wellbeing, the Center for Health Information Technology, the Center for Intervention Science, and the Center for Social Science Research.

In addition to a consistent commitment to teaching communication courses to at the graduate and undergraduate level, Kreps has served on more than 200 graduate research advisory committees, as well as a host of PhD dissertation committees and MA thesis/project committees.

He has been a professional consultant for a host of entities, public and private, and has been invited to lecture at workshops, symposia, and meetings around the world.

Kreps appreciates the recognition from the NCA, and shares it with his students and colleagues. "I am deeply honored that the quality and impact of my scholarship has been recognized by my disciplinary peers,” he said. “This honor also recognizes all the generous colleagues and wonderful students I have worked with over the years who have inspired me and collaborated with me on many important projects. I hope this honor also reflects well on my excellent department and our innovative university."