Natalia Crujeiras, the director of broadcast operations at the University of Miami School of Communication and an adviser at UMTV, the University’s student-run cable TV station, is the recipient of the 2012 Robert and Christine Staub Faculty Excellence Award for Outstanding Achievement in Effective Teaching at the University of Miami School of Communication.

The Staub Faculty Excellence Award, an endowed gift from UM alumnus Robert Staub, B.B.A., ’56, and his wife, Christine, recognizes a School of Communication faculty member for effectiveness in teaching, advising, mentoring, and service roles in and outside the classroom. Students and alumni nominated deserving professors and a School committee selected the winner.

"I am truly grateful to all the students and alumni who nominated me and I am humbled by the recognition,” Crujeiras says.  “It is such a privilege to work with these young bright minds, to help them learn and grow, to watch them put such passion into their projects. It is fun, it is challenging, and I love every minute of it!"

A UM alumna, Crujeiras, M.A. ’01, joined the University in 2008 and has been instrumental at the School of Communication in teaching students essential skills in broadcast journalism so that they will be successful in the profession once they graduate. During the academic year, she oversees all programming on UMTV, including seven student-produced TV shows such as “NewsVision,” a 30-minute newscast that includes weather and sports, and “UniMiami,” its Spanish-language equivalent. In 2009 and 2011, The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences nominated “NewsVision” for an Emmy Award. UMTV won “Best College Newscast” at the  2011 Florida Associated Press Broadcasters Awards.

Over the years, Crujeiras has been a mentor to many students and has helped them land their first jobs in journalism.

 "Natalia is both a role model and a teacher to our students in broadcast journalism, says Dean Gregory J. Shepherd. “She came to UM following a distinguished professional career and now brings that experience to students. But she also models the intelligence and drive that the students will need out in the work place, as Natalia continually strives to stay current with changes in the media landscape.  Natalia is in this way, herself a great student."

Crujeiras has more than 10 years of experience as journalist, television producer and executive with a wide range of expertise in the US Hispanic market. She has lead Latino and international news coverage for NBC Universal/Telemundo, Univision and TeleFutura Networks where she worked as Senior Producer, Special Events Producer and Line Producer building a solid record for developing and executing news, sports and entertainment programs.  

Crujeiras will receive $2,500 as part of the award, and will be named on a permanent plaque in the School's reception lobby.  Crujeiras was honored during the School’s annual awards ceremony at the Robert and Judi Prokop Newman Alumni Center
on May 11, 2012.