Honored to Receive the Learn Pillar Award

I am deeply honored to receive Ohio University’s Learn Pillar Award, which celebrates excellence in teaching, student success, and experiential learning. This recognition holds immense meaning for me, as it reflects the values I strive to embody in my work every day.

It is truly humbling to be acknowledged by my peers and students within the Scripps College of Communication—a community that champions innovation, critical thinking, and meaningful engagement with the ever-evolving media landscape. I am especially grateful to MDIA Chair Josh Antonuccio and Dean Scott Titsworth for their unwavering support and leadership.

For me, teaching has always been a collaborative journey. Every semester, I am inspired by my students—their curiosity, enthusiasm, and willingness to challenge ideas. These qualities not only enrich our classroom discussions but also push me to grow as an educator.

My approach to teaching is rooted in creating an engaging, student-centered environment that combines academic rigor with real-world application. I strive to foster excellence in teaching by designing courses that not only challenge students intellectually but also provide them with hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that bridge theory and practice. By integrating projects, industry collaborations, and data-driven problem-solving into the curriculum, I equip students with the skills and confidence needed to excel beyond the classroom. This commitment to student success is reflected in the achievements of my students, many of whom go on to publish their work, present at conferences, and make meaningful contributions in their fields.

I often say that I learn just as much from my students as they do from me. Their perspectives, questions, and bold thinking make our learning environment vibrant and dynamic. For that, I am profoundly grateful.

This award reinforces my commitment to fostering spaces where students can think critically, engage deeply, and explore boldly. I look forward to continuing this journey—together with my colleagues and students—toward creating meaningful learning experiences that prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of the media world.