Montgomery Distinguished Service Award

Originally established in 1962 and later renamed in honor of Reid H. Montgomery of South Carolina, this award recognizes extraordinary contributions to collegiate media. Montgomery was a deeply influential figure in CMA’s early years, back when it was known as the National Council of College Publications Advisers. Over his long career, he served as CMA’s president, treasurer, and in numerous other leadership roles before retiring in 1988. He passed away in 1993, leaving behind a lasting legacy of service and dedication.

This award is presented only when a truly meritorious candidate is identified. It honors individuals or institutions—regardless of CMA affiliation—whose impact on journalism education or student media advising is exceptional. Past recipients have included students, educators, professionals, and organizations whose work has significantly advanced the mission and values of collegiate journalism.

2024: Laura Krantz, Texas State University
2021: Dr. Max Branscomb, Southwestern College
2019: Jackie White, Lewis University
2018: Kelly Taylor, Bowling Green State University 
2017: Nanci Healy, New York University
2016: Randy Stano, University of Miami
2015: C.W. Little, Santa Ana College
2014: Peggy O’Neal Elliott, University of South Carolina Aiken
2012: Jay Hartwell, University of Hawaii at Manoa
2008: Greg Harrell, Johnson County Community College
2007: Mark Goodman, Student Press Law Center
2003: Will Robedee, Rice University
2003: Joel R. Willer, University of Louisiana at Monroe
1997: Les R. Hyder, Eastern Illinois University
1996: Barbara B. Hines, Howard University
1995: Ed Sullivan, Columbia University
1990: Dario Politella, University of Massachusetts
1989: Gannett Foundation
1987: Lillian Lodge Kopenhaver, Florida International University
1985: Albert T. Scroggins, University of South Carolina
1984: Herman Estrin, Newark College of Engineering
1981: Indiana State University
1980: Russell E. Hurst, Society of Professional Journalists, Sigma Delta Chi
1979: Loyd Edmonds, University of Texas at Austin
1975: John Behrens, Utica College
1971: Ruggero Aldisert, Pittsburgh, Pa.
1970: N.S. Patterson, National School Yearbook Association
1969: John S. Dickey, President, Dartmouth College
1969: George Starcher, President, University of North Dakota
1968: Sterling Fisher, Reader’s Digest
1967: Thomas Storke, Editor/Publisher Emeritus, Santa Barbara, Calif.
1967: John Ciardi, Poet and Critic
1966: V. Edward Canale, President, National Advertising Service, Inc., New York
1965: Robert R. Franham, Fashion Press, Inc., Los Angeles
1965: Dorothy Chandler, Vice President, Corporate Relations, Times-Mirror Co. Inc., Los Angeles
1965: Charles Dolan, National Education Director, Taylor Publishing Co.
1964: Benjamin Allnutt, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School
1964: Arthur M. “Sandy” Sanderson, University of South Florida
1963: Paul S. Swennson, Executive Director, Newspaper Fund, Inc.
1963: Joseph M. Murphy, Director, Columbia Scholastic Press
1963: Edward W. McDonald, Grand Exec. Secretary-Treasurer, Pi Delta Epsilon
1963: Nelson Poynter, St. Petersburg Evening Independent and Times.
1962: George H. Miller, University of South Florida
1962: Fred L. Kildow, Associated Collegiate Press