The Dr. Ian Punnett Media Educator Award is an annual honor recognizing exceptional Kansas educators who inspire a passion for media careers and make a transformative impact on their students. Named in memory of the late Dr. Ian Punnett—renowned Kansas State University professor, media professional, and KAB Hall of Famer—the award debuted in 2024 with Dr. Punnett as the inaugural (posthumous) recipient.

Eligible for college and high school educators alike, the “KAB Dr. Ian Punnett Media Educator Award” seeks to celebrate educators who embody Punnett’s spirit of excellence in media education. Recipients will be selected based on their exceptional contributions to media education, their profound impact on students, innovative teaching methods, and unwavering commitment to excellence in the field.

Each year, the honoree is announced and celebrated at the KAB Student Broadcast & Sports Seminar, spotlighting their achievements and commitment to shaping the future of the media industry. 

Nominations are due March 1 each calendar year.