Dr. Dave Junker awarded College of Communication Teaching Excellence Award

Say the name ‘Dave Junker’ to any advertising or public relations student at The University of Texas at Austin and you’re likely to be returned with a smile or hear a stream of compliments and praise. That’s why it came as no surprise that Dr. Junker will be awarded the College of Communication Teaching Excellence Award at the College of Communication convocation ceremony on Dec. 8.

Junker serves as the program director for Senior Fellows, the honors program of the College of Communication, and lectures for writing courses for public relations majors and special topics courses in communication and culture. Junker is also the advisor for the Alan Scott Chapter of Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and its student-run firm, Texas Tower PR.

His students nominated him for the award, for which he became a finalist, and was then written further letters of recommendation by students who worked closely with him in their coursework. Nominations for the award also come from faculty, staff and administration.

“As an original nominator, and one of the students who had the privilege of writing his letter of recommendation, I could not be happier or think of anyone more deserving of this award,” said Rachael Sperling, a senior public relations major and the president of PRSSA. “He has become one of my favorite professors, my professional mentor and my friend.”

Junker teaches his classes and leads his students with enthusiasm and real-world application. He is personally committed to his students’ progress in his classes and in developing their professional skills to aide in their internship and job searches.

When notified of the award, Junker was told that he was truly set apart by the overwhelming support of students.  

“It's really a privilege to have so many smart and motivated students,” he said. “I'm humbled and very grateful.”