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Rancer, Andrew Endowed Scholarship in Communication

The Andrew Rancer Endowed Scholarship in Communication was established in memory of Dr. Andrew Rancer by his wife Kathi Dierks Rancer in August 2024.

Andrew Rancer was a key figure in the exploration of communication studies throughout his career at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ and Emerson College. His passion for his work was evident in both teaching and research since receiving his PhD in 1979. Andrew spent his undergraduate years at Queens College (New York) and earned his master’s degree there as well. Upon the urging of his mentor, he enrolled in Kent State’s Communication PhD program and began his research into argumentativeness.

Dr. Rancer was known for his enthusiastic and energetic teaching. He was an entertaining professor and strongly felt classes were a  place for enthusiastic discourse and fun. He worked diligently to engage and instruct students in areas of communication through humor and discussion.

Dr. Rancer made significant contributions to the communication field, particularly in argumentativeness. His work was known nationally and internationally through his journal articles and numerous research papers. He served as editor of professional journals, authored textbooks, and served as a valued member of professional committees. His honors include the Eastern Communication Association’s Past Presidents/Officers Award, the Distinguished Research Fellow Award, membership in the ECA’s Committee of Scholars. and he received the Eastern Communication Association’s Centennial Scholar in Communication Award.

The Andrew Rancer Endowed Scholarship in Communication is part of We Rise Together, the Campaign for ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ.

Recipients of The Andrew Rancer Endowed Scholarship in Communication may be full- or part-time undergraduate or graduate students within the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ School of Communication. Recipients must be in good academic standing and possess a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA). First preference will be given to rising seniors who have been accepted into the Master in Communication program at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ. If no rising senior can be identified as eligible, this scholarship may be awarded to any student pursuing a degree within the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ School of Communication.

The scholarship may be used towards tuition, fees, books, and on-campus housing. Graduate students who are selected to receive the scholarship shall first have the scholarship applied directly to their student account with any remaining scholarship funds reimbursed directly to the student. Funds used for purposes other than qualified educational expenses are reportable and may be taxable to the recipient.

A list of eligible recipients will be identified by ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Scholarship Committee in the Office of Student Financial Aid. The list will be shared with Kathi Rancer, when possible, for review and recommendation.

To make a tax-deductible gift to this scholarship, please visit ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ’s . Select “A different designation” from the drop-down menu and enter “Andrew Rancer Scholarship” in the text box. Thank you!