MLK Vision Award Winner: Wayne Edwards

On January 27th, 2025, a notable faculty member and beloved Communications professor was awarded the prestigious MLK Vision Award. The award recognizes professors and students who show and exemplify Dr. King's teachings and spirit for diversity, equality, a sense of justice, and freedom for all. The faculty winner of this award was none other than producer and communications professor Wayne Edwards. 

Wayne Edwards has been teaching at the university for eight years. He has over 25 years of experience in the Communications and Broadcasting field. Edwards's experience in broadcasting over his long career allowed him to garner expertise in media production, programming, journalism, and the strategic use of technology in media. During this time, Edwards amassed a plethora of accomplishments. Edwards’ work at ESPN during the 2010 FIFA World Cup demonstrated his communication skills. It highlighted his ability to adapt to the fast-paced and dynamic nature of live sports broadcasting. The Emmy Award he received in recognition of his work "ed” reflects his exceptional contributions to the field of media and sports journalism.  That same year, Edwards received the NAMIC Vision Award, which recognizes excellence in portraying ethnic diversity in communications, and the New York Festivals Gold Award, a testament to his outstanding contributions to global media throughout his career. 

Despite his significant professional success, Edwards always shares his triumphs, first and foremost, with his family. As a devoted husband and father, he places immense value on the support and love of his wife and children, often celebrating his accomplishments before sharing the news with his colleagues and social media platforms. 

"I always share what I've done with the wife and kids," he said, "we’re a team, and my success means success for everyone, so I've always been excited to tell them whenever I've won an award."

At the University of New Haven, Edwards has brought his industry experience into the classroom, teaching courses in broadcasting, media production, communication theory, and digital media. His no-nonsense teaching style, coupled with his unwavering commitment to student success, has prepared hundreds of students for the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of media while encouraging them to reflect critically on their strengths and challenges.

Edwards quickly became a staple of the University of New Haven's Communications department as a process notorious for teaching his students real-life less related to the field they chose.

While most professors approach their students with consistent optimism and support, Edwards has never been afraid to tell the truth as it was.

 “I recognize that success isn’t objective and varies from student to student,” he said, “but there have been times that a student would simply not have passed the class no matter how hard they tried, and I've had to encourage students to drop the class to save their GPA,” he said. 

Despite not sugarcoating the truth, Edwards always has his student's careers and well-being in mind. 

"While I wouldn't want them to drop the class due to mistakes being made since I really want to keep all my students," he said, “sometimes the best choice isn't to try and push through but to step back and reevaluate their path. They find an alternative that suits their learning style more, which is great."

Beyond teaching, Edwards stays active in the media industry through consulting and professional development, ensuring he stays up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies. His unique blend of professional expertise, honest teaching philosophy, and commitment to family has not only made him an influential and respected figure but also an inspiring role model in education and broadcasting.

"Trust your instincts," said Edwards, "a lot of what you do is going to involve other people, and you need to trust your gut when it comes to making the hard decisions and tough calls."