Linda Laine, professor of communication studies at Central College, has been awarded the Kenneth J. Weller Distinguished Professorship of the Liberal Arts. Named after Central’s 18th president who served from 1970-90, the three-year endowed professorship recognizes a distinguished faculty member and provides support for teaching, research and scholarship.
Laine, who joined the Central faculty in 2004, was honored at commencement in May. She will be installed at a later date as the 10th Weller Distinguished Professorship of the Liberal Arts.
“I am deeply honored by this recognition and greatly appreciate the support of President Weller for this professorship,” Laine says.
Laine earned her bachelor’s degree from Abilene Christian University in Texas and completed her master’s degree and Ph.D. in communication at the University of South Florida in Tampa. She recently was promoted to professor of communication studies.
A past recipient of the David Crichton Memorial Teaching Award for excellence in teaching, Laine this year also was honored with the Hutch Bearce Community Building and Faculty Leadership Award for her efforts in community building, mentorship and leadership.
Laine has been communication studies department chair, appointed by the board of trustees as a faculty trustee and elected as chair of the faculty policy committee, during which she was instrumental in stewarding colleagues in the transformation of faculty governance. Laine also serves as president of the Iowa Communication Association.