The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association will recognize Hugh Catts, professor and director of Florida State University’s School of Communication Science and Disorders, as an Honors of the Association recipient at the organization’s annual convention in November.

Catts, who joined the Florida State faculty last summer, will receive the award for distinguished contributions to the discipline of communication sciences and disorders.  It is the highest honor the association bestows and has been awarded since 1944. Nominees are sponsored by at least three association members and voted up by AHSA’s Committee on Honors.

“I am very pleased to receive the Honors of the Association,” Catts said. “I have been fortunate to have had the opportunities and very talented colleagues, students, and support staff that allowed me to have the type of career that merits this honor.”

“Dr. Catts has a long history of innovative education and research achievements and it is wonderful to see his leadership, dedication and accomplishments recognized at the highest level,” Larry Dennis, dean of the College of Communication & Information, said.

Catts previously served as chair of the Department of Speech-Language-Hearing: Science and Disorders at the University of Kansas. He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s and doctoral degrees in speech from the University of Florida.

The 2014 ASHA Convention will be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., Nov. 20–22, 2014.