Janice Peck and Jan Whitt

Janice Peck and her dog Ellie

Associate Professor Janice Peck won third place for her book The Age of Oprah: Cultural Icon for the Neoliberal Era. In the book, Peck examines Winfrey's media enterprises as part of contemporary U.S. culture and politics. Peck formerly worked as a journalist, editor and writer for newspapers, magazines and radio stations.

Jan Whitt, also an associate journalism professor, was a finalist for the award for her piece Women in American Journalism: A New History. The book explores the lives of women who played a significant role in journalism history, but whose efforts were overlooked. Whitt teaches courses in literary journalism, women's issues, literature, media history, and writing and popular culture.

Jan Whitt

Named in honor of Pulitzer Prize winner Frank Luther Mott, the annual award honors research-based books about journalism or mass communication.