Mary Ann Stutts, professor at Texas State University in San Marcos, is the 2009 American Advertising Federation Distinguished Advertising Educator. Awarded annually, the Distinguished Advertising Educator Award recognizes the best advertising professors in the country. Throughout her three decade teaching career, Dr. Stutts has published research regarding consumer behavior and marketing to children and young adults, and she has helped jumpstart the careers of hundreds of students. Each year since 1980, she has led a team of students in the AAF's National Student Advertising Competition, and her teams have nine first-place district finishes, 13 national appearances and two national wins. During this time, Dr. Stutts also served on the AAF's academic committee and was the committee's chair in 1993. As a result of teaching and research dedication, Dr. Stutts has received numerous honors and awards including the AAF District 10 Outstanding Educator Award, the Austin Advertising Federation Educator of the Year Award and the Texas State Alumni Association Teaching Award of Honor. Her work has been published in the Journal of Advertising, Journal of Consumer Affairs, Journal of Marketing and Public Policy, Journal of Academy of Marketing Science and American Journal of Health Behavior. Dr. Stutts will be honored at the AAF National Conference 2009, which will take place in Arlington, Va. June 4-6. Each year, this conference brings together leaders from agencies, clients, media companies and college campuses to discuss topics that impact the industry. The conference also showcases the industry's best work in the ADDY® Awards and future talent with the finals of the National Student Advertising Competition. Eligibility for the AAF Distinguished Educator Award includes excellence in teaching and student advisement, record of scholarly research, publications and professional experience and record of participation in advertising organizations, the industry, academia and the community. For more information about the AAF National Conference 2009, go to www.aaf.org/conference