University of Richmond Speech Center Director Wins National Award

August 4, 2005

Linda Hobgood, a member of the University of Richmond faculty and director of the Speech Center, has won the Jeanne Robertson Outstanding Professor Award from the National Speakers Association.

The award includes a $2,000 check and a plaque, which Hobgood will receive during a fall University faculty meeting.

Hobgood, who lives in Henrico County, has been director of the University's Speech Center since its founding in 1996 and has served on the faculty since 1990. She organized the nation's first conference of speaking center and communications lab directors and the first Orator-in-Residence program.

She has been a speechwriter, campaign manager and consultant, helping large and small businesses improve communication skills. She worked at the White House on special programs and the First Lady's staff. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Virginia and has taught political rhetoric, business and professional speech, speech writing, and rhetoric and public address.

NSA is a professional speakers organization. Its members include trainers, educators, humorists, motivators, consultants and authors. The award is named for Jeanne Robertson, a professional speaker, producer of four humor videos and author of three books on humor.