Rutgers University-Newark’s Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Jerome Williams has received an exclusive award for his wide range of work and achievements. The American Academy of Advertising (AAA) presented Williams with The Kim Rotzoll Award for Advertising Ethics and Social Responsibility. The award recognizes individuals or organizations who have demonstrated lifetime achievement and an outstanding commitment to advertising ethics and social responsibility.

According to Dr. Joseph Phelps of the University of Alabama, and chair of the AAA Awards Committee, the Rotzoll Award is not bestowed annually and has only been given eight times since it was established in 2004. Phelps stated, “Only outstanding individuals of significant merit are considered, and Dr. Williams has clearly established a record of outstanding contributions to advertising and social responsibility.”

Williams said he is extremely honored to receive the special award, which was presented at AAA’s annual conference in March in New York City. “Over the past 40 years, one of my main research interests has been advertising related to public health, especially as this research impacts multicultural segments of the population,” Williams remarked.  “Unfortunately, all too often the general view of advertising and public health is that the impact is negative, especially when considering such products as alcohol, tobacco, and unhealthy foods, especially on communities of color.  Therefore, to be recognized for promoting the positive aspects of advertising, in the context of ethics and social responsibility, is particularly gratifying.  I’d like to think my work has contributed to society and making the world a better place.  This award also is a reflection of the environment we try to create here at Rutgers-Newark to make it conducive for scholars to conduct publicly-engaged research and continue contributing to a positive impact on society.” 

An internationally esteemed scholar, teacher, and leader in business education, Williams is also the Distinguished Professor and Prudential Chair in Business at Rutgers Business School. According to Dr. Meme Drumwright of the University of Texas at Austin, and previous award recipient, “Jerome is the ideal recipient for the Kim Rotzoll Award because advertising ethics and social responsibility have been the focus of his entire academic career. He has published widely on topics related to promoting diversity, reducing childhood obesity, reducing marketplace discrimination, promoting multicultural marketing and advertising, using social marketing effectively, understanding ethical issues in digital media, and promoting ethics and social justice in advertising and all aspects of society.”

The Rotzoll Award is the second lifetime achievement recognition that Williams received in a three-month span. In June, Williams was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Marketing Association’s Marketing and Society Special Interest Group (MASSIG).