The Douglas W. Ehninger 
Award, first presented in 1987, honors scholars who have executed research programs in rhetorical theory, rhetorical criticism and/or public address studies. Recipients must demonstrate intellectual creativity, perseverance, and impact on academic communities through multiple publications and presentations around a rhetorical topic or theme.
Recipients
1987 Michael Osborn
1988 Walter R. Fisher
1989 Robert L. Scott
1990 Kathleen H. Jamieson
1991 Karlyn Kohrs Campbell
1992 Jane Blankenship
1993 James R. Andrews
1994 Michael Calvin McGee
1995 Richard A. Cherwitz
1996 No Award Given
1997 Thomas W. Benson
1998 Celeste Condit
1999 Michael Leff
2000 Edward Schiappa
2001 Barry Brummett
2002 Molefi Kete Asante
2003 Roderick P. Hart
2004 Ronald Carpenter
2005 Janice Hocker Rushing
2006 Raymie McKerrow
2007 Barbara Ann Biesecker
2008 J. Michael Hogan
2009 Bonnie J. Dow
2010 Craig R. Smith
2011 Robert C. Rowland
2012 Sonja K. Foss