Ahlam Muhtaseb, professor of media studies at CSUSB’s College of Arts and Letters, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Activism and Social Justice Scholarly Influence Award by the National Communication Association (NCA). This recognition celebrates Muhtaseb’s significant contributions to the fields of communication, activism and social justice through her dedicated research, teaching and service.

The award is presented by the NCA’s Activism and Social Justice Division. It recognizes scholars who have excelled in applying theoretical frameworks to real-world activism and social justice efforts.

"Within the NCA’s Activism and Social Justice Division, we consider the Scholarly Influence Award one for career achievement,” said Amy Aldridge Sanford, immediate past division chair and member of the awards committee. “It's awarded to the very best of senior communication scholars who've dedicated their research, teaching and service to social justice and activism – both theoretically and in applied situations. Doing this kind of work in the academy can be very difficult, and we want to award scholars—like Dr. Muhtaseb – who have done it well. May she continue to be an example for others."

Recipients of this award are selected through a rigorous nomination process, wherein previous award winners review submission packets that highlight the nominee's scholarly influence and contributions to activism and social justice. Nomination materials include a letter of nomination, an abbreviated curriculum vitae, and artifacts documenting the nominee's scholarly impact.

The award, which includes a certificate and a cash prize, will be presented during the Activism and Social Justice Division's business meeting at the NCA’s national convention, scheduled to take place from Nov. 21-24 in New Orleans.