2017 Award of Excellence, Research
Lulu Rodriguez

Lulu Rodriguez, Agricultural Communications Program director at the University of Illinois, brought a strong, distinguished academic and professional background to the university in 2013.

Rodriguez, an associate professor, is among the most active and productive communications researchers addressing the food complex, natural resources, renewable energy, rural development, and other activities related to agriculture.

Evidence is apparent in her scholarly publishing record. It has taken the form of one edited book involving agricultural research and communications, nine book chapters (four involving agricultural communications), 40 refereed journal articles (25 involving agricultural communications), and 41 refereed conference papers and presentations (23 involving agricultural communications). These efforts do not include her extensive scholarly work published in bulletins, technical reports, proceedings, and other outlets. Internationally, among more than 600 researchers who have published scholarly literature in this field since 2000, she is the premier author of book chapters.

As an ACE member, she has contributed in multiple ways during the past 20-plus years. Her contributions center on research, education, and international programs.

• As author, her articles published in the Journal of Applied Communications trace back to 1996.
• She has served as a research article reviewer for JAC since 2004 and research paper reviewer for the Research SIG/LC since 2015.
• She is taking part in current visioning and strategic planning activities of ACE members and others involved in advancing agricultural communications education and research.
• She is contributing actively to the professional development of ACE members through her service in the Agricultural Communications Documentation Center. She is helping build the collection of research, news, perspectives, and how-to information of value to ACE members.