EIU’s Renaud to be Inducted into College Media Association's Hall of Fame
Oct-18-2017Contributing Reporter: AJ Fournier, The Daily Eastern News
Sally Renaud, chair of the department of journalism at Eastern Illinois University, will be inducted into the College Media Association’s (CMA) John A. Boyd Hall of Fame later this October in Dallas as part of the Associated Collegiate Press/College Media Association Fall National College Media Convention.
“I have such reverence for the people who taught me and were my mentors,” Renaud said, offering that everything she learned about being an adviser she learned from CMA classes and workshops. “I genuinely believe there is a relationship in our field between high school, college and the professional journalism world,” she added.
The John A. Boyd Hall of Fame Award is the most prestigious honor given by CMA, recognizing longtime members whose dedication, commitment and sacrifice have contributed to the betterment and value of student media programs of both their campus and the nation. It also recognizes the contributions of members who have devoted extensive and varied service to CMA on committees, the board of directors and other leadership roles and who have presented insightful, relevant and well-prepared programs and sessions. Those considered for this award must have contributed to college journalism education for 20 years or more while being an active member of CMA.
Throughout her career, Renaud has been a vigorous volunteer and leader in the CMA. She served as president from 2009-2011, vice president of member services from 2001-2003, and currently serves on its Advisory Council. Since joining CMA in 1995, she has chaired multiple committees, including Adviser Awards, Yearbook, Newspaper and Magazine. She has coordinated sessions and keynotes for CMA conventions, had participated in the organization’s critique program, and reviews articles for its flagship journal, College Media Review.
Meredith Taylor, executive director of CMA, said Renaud’s extensive service is what made her stand out, citing her deep impact on the college media industry. President of the CMA Kelley Lash agreed, and added that Renaud also has the ability to reach out and make students feel like their work matters.
Lola Burnham, interim director for student publications at EIU, said Renaud has always worked well with student media and stays involved with her students’ lives, even after graduation.
“Sally is able to talk journalism, talk the importance of journalism, the importance of the first amendment and how history has affected all that has happened,” Burnham said. “She pushes students to get involved, and is a huge cheerleader to our students and to the world outside that we need strong student media.”
Renaud has taught and advised at Eastern Illinois University since 2004. She also serves as executive director of the Society for Collegiate Journalists and the Illinois Journalism Education Association and is on the board of the Illinois Press Foundation. For earning a place in the CMA Hall of Fame, Renaud will receive a trophy and become a lifetime member of the organization.
