Journalism professor Robert Muilenburg is the 2026 Dr. Aileen Creighton Award for Teaching Excellence, and the 24th award recipient since its creation.
The Creighton Award is the highest faculty honor given at Del Mar College and was established in 2002. The award is named for Dr. Aileen Creighton, late Dean Emeritus of Arts and Sciences and English Professor and is presented annually through a series of peer applications and committee nominations to recognize those who have made a strong impact on campus and the community.
At Del Mar College’s annual fall convocation, history professor and 2025 winner Dr. Mark Robbins revealed this year’s recipient through a speech and special video presentation.
“It’s incredibly humbling,” Muilenburg said.
“When you’re teaching you strive to have a positive impact on people.”
Muilenburg is recognized for his teachings in communications, news photography, news writing, and editing and layout along with related courses in advertising and public relations.
“He brings valuable real-world experiences into the classroom, encouraging students to ask questions, engage in his classes, and provide opportunities like writing for The Foghorn News,” said News Editor for the Foghorn and journalism major Arwen Scafidi.
Alongside these teachings, he advises the Foghorn News which has led his students to win at least 248 state and national awards within the past three years.
“His critiques and constructive leadership have led the program to success and will surely continue to do so in the future,” said business administration major and Foghorn Sports Editor Isabella Skinner.
Muilenburg served in the U.S. Army where he got his experience in photography, then attended Del Mar College after enlistment. He joined the Foghorn News in the mid 1990s under advisor and journalism professor Manuel Flores.
“I mention Flores because sometimes you run into the right person at the right time,” said Muilenburg. “As a non-traditional student at the time, his approach to teaching and mentorship was exactly what I needed and was probably the greatest factor for me to start teaching.”
Throughout Muilenburg’s 20 years at Del Mar he has sought to provide his students with all the materials to survive in the professional world of journalism.
Many of his alumni have gone onto successful careers, like Bill Eaves, story desk editor at KIII TV3 News and Ana Alldredge, public relations associate for Corpus Christi firm KCS Relations.
In addition to alumni success stories from Muilenburg teaching career, current students had their own words to share on the impact he has made during their time at Del Mar.
Foghorn News Graphic Design Editor Breanne DuBose shared that Muilenburg opened many opportunities for her at Del Mar she didn’t know she was looking for.
“He encourages students to be creative and take leadership, which has helped me grow my confidence in studying digital media.”
“His guidance has encouraged me to become a more thoughtful, ethical and adaptable journalist and professional,” said Advertising major and Foghorn News Online Editor, Arianna Rios.
Muilenburg’s impact shines from every student he has crossed paths with, and conversations with current and former students prove his place amongst the Creighton winners who preceded him.
