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Marie Hochmuth Nichols was a faculty member in the Speech and Communication Department from 1939-1976. Her pioneering work in rhetorical studies, known as “The Illinois Tradition,” highlighted the role of rhetoric in community building and change. Nichols was NCA president in 1969, the first woman elected by the whole membership, and received the NCA’s “Distinguished Service Award” in 1976. She was declared a Distinguished Scholar posthumously.