Dr. Robert Greenstreet, professor of communication studies and director of forensics at East Central University, has been honored by the Central States Communication Association Argumentation & Forensics Interest Group for his work as a professional director of forensics and communication scholar.
The award was presented March 30 by Dr. Michael Bauer of Bowling Green State University at the annual CSCA convention in Cleveland, Ohio. Greenstreet is the only person so honored in the history of the association.
The award was presented during a special panel designed to honor Greenstreet’s work. Panelists were Bauer; Dr. Arlie Daniel, retired ECU professor of communication studies; Dr. Tracy Frederick, communication professor at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kan., and an ECU alumna; and Dr. Larry Underberg, professor of communication at Southeast Missouri State University.
Dr. Scott Jensen, communication professor at Webster University and past president of Pi Kappa Delta national honorary society in intercollegiate forensics, also spoke from the audience.
Bauer highlighted Greenstreet’s publications, convention presentations and professional service in explaining why he was a unanimous nominee and selection for the honor. Daniel discussed Greenstreet’s efforts to establish and maintain a quality intercollegiate forensics program at ECU.
Frederick, a former member of the ECU speech and debate team, discussed the educational approach to competitive forensics as an attribute distinguishing Greenstreet from others in the field. Jensen discussed Greenstreet’s ongoing commitment to professionalism and forensics pedagogy.
“It proved surprisingly difficult to listen to the comments,” Greenstreet said. “I have tried to act as I feel a professional forensics educator should act. I write articles when I have something to say. I provide leadership within professional associations. I organize and submit panels for professional conventions so we may discuss ideas central to our mission within the university and within higher education.
“I review paper and panel submissions to determine their worthiness for inclusion in our conventions,” he continued. “I serve as a critic/respondent to papers and panel discussions. That’s what I feel a professional educator should do within our professional associations.”
Greenstreet has been honored by other associations. The Oklahoma Speech Theatre Communication Association has recognized him with the Josh Lee Service Award and the D.J. Nabors Outstanding Intercollegiate Forensics Educator Award. Pi Kappa Delta has honored him with the L.E. Norton Award for Forensics Scholarship as well as recognition for 36 years as a college director of forensics. Greenstreet is also a recipient of the ECU Teaching Excellence Award.