Pratt Named Tennessee Communicator Of The Year
October 5, 2022
Pratt, left, receives the award Malcolm McAvoy, head of the college’s Speech Communication
Program and former recipient of the award.
A Walters State Community College dean has been named Tennessee Communicator of the
Year by the Tennessee Communication Association.
Rob Pratt II, dean of the Humanities Division and associate professor of speech, received
the award during the organization’s fall conference held in Gallatin. The award recognizes
someone who, by service or performance, has contributed substantially to the purposes
of communication in the state. Past recipients have included former Gov. Bill Haslam,
financial guru Dave Ramsey and the late Pat Summitt, former coach of the Tennessee
Lady Vols basketball team.
“I can think of no one more deserving of this title,” Dr. Tony Miksa, president of
Walters State, said. “Rob has dedicated his life to promoting excellence in communications,
beginning with his broadcasting career and his law practice. Now, he guides students
through their first public speeches, which can be challenging.”
Malcolm McAvoy, head of the college’s Speech Communication Program, received the same
award in 2012. Pratt was a student of McAvoy when he attended Walters State.
In addition to an associate of science in general studies, he holds a bachelor of
science degree in mass communications from East Tennessee State University and a master
of arts degree in communication from Morehead State University. He earned his doctor
of jurisprudence degree from the University of Tennessee.
Pratt received the TCA’s Horizon Award in 2016, which recognizes emerging leaders
in the field.
Pratt joined Walters State as a full-time faculty member in 2015. He had previously
served the college as assistant director of public information. Pratt was a news anchor
and reporter at WJHL in Johnson City and at WVLT in Knoxville. He also spent time
as a practicing attorney and as an adjunct faculty member at Walters State.
Since his appointment as a faculty member, Pratt has also served as coach of the college’s
award-winning debate team.
In the photo: Rob Pratt II, dean the Division of Humanities at Walters State, was
named Tennessee Communicator of the Year by the Tennessee Communication Association.
Pratt, left, receives the award Malcolm McAvoy, head of the college’s Speech Communication
Program and former recipient of the award.