The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) has inducted Asbury University Dean Dr. Jim Owens into its prestigious Silver Circle, recognizing his lasting impact on the television industry and decades of excellence in broadcasting and media education.
Asbury University congratulates the Dean of the School of Communication Arts Dr. Jim Owens ’79 on his induction into the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) Silver Circle, one of the organization’s highest honors recognizing television professionals who have demonstrated distinguished service and leadership over careers spanning more than 25 years.
Owens officially received the honor during the Ohio Valley Chapter’s Regional Emmy Awards ceremony in Louisville, joining an elite group of industry professionals whose contributions have helped shape the future of television through creativity, innovation, technical excellence, leadership, and education.
It is a humbling experience to receive this award from my peers in the television industry."
“I’m indebted to so many who have supported me through the last decades: my faculty colleagues, the Asbury administration, my students, and my family.”
Established by NATAS, the Silver Circle recognizes individuals whose careers have made a lasting impact on the television industry while also acknowledging significant contributions to their regional chapter. Membership is reserved for professionals whose work has elevated the field and inspired future generations of storytellers and communicators.
The Silver Circle is among the highest honors bestowed by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, recognizing a lifetime of excellence and service in the television industry.
Throughout his distinguished career, Owens has combined professional achievement with a passion for mentoring the next generation of media professionals. At Asbury University, he has invested in students by sharing decades of real-world experience in broadcasting, helping prepare graduates to pursue careers marked by creativity, integrity, and excellence.
Owens also received a regional Emmy Award (2015) and multiple Telly Awards, was appointed by the Governor of Kentucky to serve on the Kentucky Film Commission beginning in 2016 for two four year terms, and serves as Vice Chair of the board of the Kentucky Film Foundation. Owens has worked on local, regional, and national productions including projects for ESPN, ABC, Turner Sports, Sports Illustrated television, Canadian Broadcasting (CBC), NBC, and CBS.
His latest recognition further highlights the caliber of faculty members who bring professional expertise into Asbury’s classrooms while advancing the University’s mission of preparing students for lives of faithful service.
Owens’ induction into the NATAS Silver Circle celebrates not only an extraordinary professional legacy but also the enduring influence he continues to have on future communicators, storytellers, and industry leaders through his work at Asbury University.
The Asbury University School of Communication Arts offers Traditional Undergraduate programs in Communication, Media Communication, Multimedia Journalism, and Theatre. Graduate programs include the M.A. in Communication; M.A. in Digital Storytelling; M.A. in Instructional Design, Innovation & Leadership; MFA in Film/TV Production; and MFA in Screenwriting.
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