Image: The Communication Studies Department is proud to announce that PhD student in Rhetorical Studies Alexander Morales has been selected to receive a Southeastern Conference (SEC) Emerging Scholars Assistantship for 2022-2023. This award is designed to recognize outstanding students and prepare them for careers in higher education. SEC Emerging Scholars are financially supported for a year as they focus on writing their dissertation and engaging in the networking and professional development opportunities provided by the SEC. The SEC Emerging Scholars Program's purpose is to ensure that our communities reflect a multitude of experiences and viewpoints. Scholars who participate in the career preparation workshop will attend the multi-day event, complete several pre-workshop assignments, and visit with representatives from all 14 SEC universities on a range of topics, including the hiring process. Alex is an impressive scholar, and we are proud to have him representing our department and the entire University of Georgia at the SEC workshop at the University of Missouri in September 2022.