Alassandra Holsted, a U of A undergraduate student majoring in communication, sociology and criminology, was recently recognized as the runner-up for the prestigious Stephen A. Smith Award at the annual meeting of the National Communication Association in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

This award is named after the founder of Lambda Pi Eta, professor emeritus Stephen A. Smith. It is presented by NCA's Lambda Pi Eta division to honor students who exemplify academic achievement in communication studies. Holsted was honored for a competitively selected research paper presented at the conference. 

Lambda Pi Eta, NCA's official honor society at four-year colleges and universities, fosters excellence in communication studies through recognizing outstanding student achievement, promoting scholarly inquiry and encouraging leadership development. Founded at the U of A in 1985 by Smith, the honor society's first chapter — the Alpha Chapter — remains a cornerstone of the university's legacy in communication education.

As the current president of the U of A's Alpha Chapter, Holsted has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a commitment to advancing the values of inclusive excellence. Her efforts have helped create a more welcoming and supportive environment for students within Lambda Pi Eta and the broader academic community.

"Alassandra's leadership in Lambda Pi Eta and her commitment to advancing the honor society's mission are remarkable," said Jake Dionne, assistant professor in the Department of Communication and faculty adviser for Lambda Pi Eta. "Her work inspires others to think critically about institutional histories and their impact on student success."

Holsted's recognition at the national level highlights the U of A's dedication to fostering student success and leadership in communication studies. Her achievement is a testament to the importance of inclusive and forward-thinking leadership within academic organizations.