Chris Carroll, director of student media for Vanderbilt Student Communications, has been awarded the 2009 John A. Boyd Hall of Fame Award.
The award honors those longtime members of College Media Advisers whose dedication, commitment and sacrifices have contributed to the betterment and value of student media programs both on their campuses and nationally. Recipients must have contributed to collegiate journalism education for 20 or more years while an active member of the organization.
Carroll began his career in college media advising at Arkansas Tech University in 1986. He served in similar positions at Tulane University and University of South Carolina before coming to Vanderbilt in 1996.
Carroll is a co-founder of the Center for Innovation in College Media and former president of the College Media Advisers. He played a leading role in the creation of the College Media Advisers’ First Amendment Institute.
He is a former president of the Southeast Journalism Conference and board member of the Student Press Law Center. In addition, Carroll founded the Middle Tennessee Scholastic Press Association.
Through the years college media under Carroll’s guidance have won national, regional and state awards. In addition, many students who were advised by Carroll have become successful journalists at outlets that include USA Today, the New York Times, Sports Illustrated, Washington Post, ESPN, MSNBC, Vanity Fair and “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central.
The award pays tribute to John A. Boyd of Indiana State University, who served as executive director of College Media Advisers for 17 years.
Media contact: Ann Marie Deer Owens, 615-322-NEWS
annmarie.owens@vanderbilt.edu