April 17, 2012

Graduate receives outstanding alumni award

Ajay Ojha

An alumnus of the Communication Studies graduate program is one of a dozen winners of the 2012 Eastern Illinois University Outstanding Graduate Alumni Award.

Ajay Ojha is a consultant for the federal government in Washington, D.C.  He primarily assists the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security with program management and strategic communication.

Ajay received his Master's Degree in Speech Communication from Eastern in 2000.  He went on to earn a PhD from Southern Illinois University.  He also has a Bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina.

In his spare time, Ajay teaches at the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars.  He is also helping to build the foundation for the United States Public Service Academy and regularly volunteers in community service.  He has published two articles in communication journals, served as an instructor for two Upward Bound programs, and was also a member of the AmeriCorps program.

Ajay and the other 11 Outstanding Graduate Alumni Award winners were honored at a ceremony on April 13th at Eastern.  Ajay was joined at the ceremony by former Communication Studies Chairman Doug Bock and current faculty member Melanie Mills.  He also credits former faculty members Norman Greer, Floyd Merritt, Anthony Oseguera, and Mary Hogg with mentoring him during his time at E. I. U.