On Friday, Aug. 16, just before the start of the Fall 2024 semester, faculty and staff gathered for the Fall Opening Convocation and departmental meetings.
During the convocation, President Geoffrey Mearns and Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Anand Marri presented the annual University Faculty Awards, three of which went to faculty from CCIM: Mary Moore, Terry Heifetz, and Kristen McCauliff.
Mary Moore, Senior Lecturer in Communication Studies, was recognized with the Lawhead Award in General Education, which recognizes contributions to excellent teaching and service in the University Core Curriculum (UCC). Among her many accomplishments is her role in revolutionizing the design of the UCC course COMM 210, making learning objectives clear, mapping those objectives to career readiness standards set by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), and providing a plethora of tools and resources for students’ success.
Senior Lecturer in the Department of Media Terry Heifetz received the Outstanding Advisor Award. As advisor for NewsLink Indiana, Heifetz guides students in all aspects of producing, writing, and broadcasting their live, nightly newscast all while still allowing the students to lead.
And, for her work in the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, current CCIM Interim Dean Kristen McCauliff was awarded the Outstanding Administrator Award, which is given to those who have demonstrated excellence in administrative activities and have had a significant impact on students, their fields, the university, and/or the community at large.
After the Convocation, CCIM faculty and staff gathered in the Letterman Lobby where Interim Dean McCauliff announced this year’s Faculty Award winners.
These winners exemplify the commitment to excellence that all faculty and staff in CCIM demonstrate daily.
CCIM Empowerment Award: Kirsten Smith
Lab Manager and Technology Officer and Associate Director of CICS
The college has been so lucky that Kirsten Smith has served the Center for Communication and Information Sciences for 24 years. During that time, she has worn many hats and, in all of them, demonstrated exemplary leadership, commitment, and work ethic. Kirsten always goes above and beyond to take care of the students and faculty and empower their success. She consistently volunteers for duties outside the normal duties in her three roles – including faculty advisor to student groups when needed to keep the students engaged and connected to one another and the program. She inspires students, staff and faculty alike with her commitment to the Center.
Kirsten is a champion of inclusivity by leading as Chair of the Women Working in Technology initiative for CICS since 2008! She has an outstanding track record of serving the community as demonstrated by her tenure as a Board Member for Cornerstone Center for the Arts as well as her time as a leadership team member for The Indiana Girls Collaborative Project, which brings together organizations throughout Indiana that are committed to informing and motivating girls to pursue careers in STEM. The CICS students will attest that she has transformed lives and set a powerful example of what can be achieved through dedication, hard work, perseverance, and empowerment.
Outstanding Teaching Award: Tong Li
Assistant Professor in School of Journalism and Strategic Communication
Dr. Tong Li’s teaching is magic. Literally, Tong uses magic to teach. He was called a “master teacher” by Dr. Jennifer Palilonis after her initial peer-review of his teaching from his first year on the tenure track at BSU in Fall 2021. An excerpt from his teaching philosophy says it best, “An excellent magic performance can elicit a sense of wonder in the audience’s mind. This sense of wonder motivates the audience to be curious about the secret of the trick and explore the possible solutions themselves. Like a good magician, I believe a good teacher should be able to find the beauty of the learning content and turn it into a learning experience that is enjoyable and meaningful.”
While Tong makes his lessons engaging and fresh with his magic, his commitment to student success doesn’t stop there. He has supported multiple capstone projects, mentoring 14 projects in Spring 2023 and 5 team projects in Fall 2023. In addition to mentoring capstone and team projects, Tong chaired Mohammed Sa-ad’s creative project. His project focused on improving elementary school students’ ability to recognize and report emergencies. Mohammed is an international student, and Tong went above and beyond to mentor and encourage him, especially with increasing Mohammed’s confidence in his academic writing. With Tong’s guidance and encouragement, Mohammed submitted a grant proposal and successfully secured this grant for his project in Fall 2023. He presented his excellent work at the 29th Student Symposium at Ball State in April 2024.
A recent winner of the University’s Creative Teaching Grant, we’re lucky to have Tong in our college!
Distinguished Researcher Award: Sungwon Chung
Associate Professor in School of Journalism and Strategic Communication, Associate Director in School of Journalism and Strategic Communication
Dr. Chung has recently established a cutting-edge media psychophysiology lab in the School of Journalism and Strategic Communication, equipped with state-of-the-art tools for measuring cognitive, emotional, and behavioral responses. This includes electrocardiogram (ECG), electrodermal activity (EDA), facial electromyography (fEMG), secondary task reaction times (STRTs), and continuous emotion measurement. His collaborative effort with scholars at Indiana University to launch this lab have been monumental, positioning the lab as one of only a dozen facilities in the nation. This achievement marks a significant step forward, enabling BSU to become a leader in the field of media psychology.
The impact and scope of Dr. Chung’s research are extraordinary. Since joining the BSU faculty in August 2019, he has produced an impressive body of work, including 15 peer-reviewed journal articles, nine conference proceedings, and over 30 conference presentations. His notable publications in top-tier journals, such as Communication Research and New Media and Society, highlight his contributions to the field. Among his achievements, his article in the Journal of Computer Assisted Learning earned the Top-Cited Article Award in 2020-2021. Dr. Chung’s research delves into the motivated cognitive and psychological processing of strategic communication messages across various media. He explores how media content and features of influence emotion, motivation, cognition, and attitudes, covering context like in-game advertising, corporate social responsibility messages, instructional animations, and serious games. His current project’s focus on visual communication design for CSR campaigns, aiming to enhance public engagement with initiatives addressing social and environmental issues such as pollution and hunger. His relevant research will not only impact the field, but the students will see the passion he pours into his research and will be inspired as they begin to take on their own research projects.
Inclusive Excellence Award: Scarlett Hester
Assistant Professor in Communication Studies
Inclusivity is at the heart of Dr. Scarlett Hester’s professional work, permeating her research, teaching, and service. Her research critically examines the intersection of race in sports, focusing on issues such as Colin Kaepernick’s kneeling during the national anthem and the commodification of Angel Reese. In her teaching, Dr. Hester fosters an environment of critical awareness and perspective-taking, as demonstrated by her facilitation of discussions on the challenges faced by female sportscasters in a predominantly male class. Through these discussions, students engage in insightful conversations about the unprofessional behavior often rooted in misogyny that female sportscasters encounter.
Dr. Hester has also dedicated several summers to working at a camp for Korean American adoptees, where she developed training materials for camp leaders and counselors. She actively contributes to the Korean American Adoptee Adoptive Family Network (KAAN) by serving on the Advisory Council and Education Committee. Her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is further reflected in her roles as a National Communication Association reviewer and respondent for divisions including Critical and Cultural Studies, Asian/Pacific American Communication Studies, and Feminist and Gender Studies. At BSU, she advocates for LGBTQ students, the decolonization of syllabi, and textbook affordability. Dr. Hester’s leadership is evident through her roles as the Faculty Fellow for Inclusive Excellence in The Pathways Project and as an Internationalization Faculty Fellow at the Rinker Center for Global Affairs. These roles have allowed her to enhance the representation of underrepresented groups in higher education. Inclusive excellence is more than an ideal that Scarlett strives to achieve, it is the unifying theme making her an invaluable instructor and leader on BSU’s campus and in the broader professional community.
Community Connections Award: Kate Elliott
Lecturer in School of Journalism and Strategic Communication, Coordinator of School of Journalism and Strategic Communication’s Magazine Media
In July 2018, Ball State University and Muncie Community Schools (MCS) formed a groundbreaking partnership to transform the city’s public school district into a national model for innovative education. From 2018 to 2020, Kate Elliott played a crucial role in this partnership as a faculty fellow to the Provost. She was the editor of the Muncie Community Schools-Ball State University Academic Innovation Plan, which outlined a collaborative, community-based approach to education that spans from early childhood to adulthood. Kate coordinated two Academic Innovation Summits for MCS teachers, fostering open dialogue and hands-on sessions that explored strategies for student success and community well-being. Additionally, she authored proposals and reports for grants from the Ball Brothers Foundation, George and Frances Ball Foundation, and Hamer D. and Phyllis C. Shafer Foundation, supporting this transformative partnership. She continues to contribute as a member of the Academic Innovation Council for CCIM.
Kate has also led her journalism students in immersive learning experiences, focusing on community challenges like food deserts in Muncie. Her students have worked closely with local farmers, nonprofit leaders, and residents to explore opportunities within the local food system. They have also collaborated with ecoREHAB to enhance their branding through marketing, public relations, and storytelling. Recognizing the challenges of immersive learning, Kate was chosen to chair the pilot program for the CCIM Engagement Taskforce, partnering with the 8twelve Coalition. This initiative brought together faculty, staff, students, and alumni for a Community Service Day and led nine immersive learning projects between fall 2019 and spring 2022. Beyond her work with Ball State, Kate has served as a faculty liaison for United Way, coordinates book giveaways, and has founded the Journalism Club at West View Elementary. Her dedication to our community extends to her roles as a Girl Scout leader and board member for local nonprofits, as well as volunteering at her church.
Kate Elliott is the living embodiment of Beneficence. She represents all that Ball State stands for and aspires to be in the community. Let’s congratulate her!
High Technology Award: Spencer Coile
Assistant Lecturer in Communication Studies and Director of the Speech Team
Spencer Coile has played a pivotal role in redesigning COMM 210 for online delivery, transforming the course into an innovative and flexible learning experience. Previously, online sections of COMM 210 operated independently, but Spencer’s redesign integrated them into a cohesive “lecture/lab” model. This ensures that students receive a consistent educational experience across all delivery modes, and it provides graduate assistants with valuable experience in facilitating online courses. The redesigned COMM 210 emphasizes support and choice through low-stakes activities that allow students to practice public speaking skills. The course features 25 “challenges,” with students selecting 15 to complete. For instance, one challenge involves “visiting” the Speaking Center for a coaching session, which is accessible online to accommodate students’ needs and reduce the necessity of traveling to campus.
A key requirement of COMM 210 is delivering a speech in front of an audience, where students must meet specific recording criteria, such as delivering the speech while standing, completing it in one take, and using technology to show their audience before and after the speech. Students can use video or Zoom to fulfill these requirements, equipping them with virtual presentation skills that are increasingly essential in today’s workforce. Spencer serves as an online mentor and consultant, training and supervising graduate assistants for the online courses and advising the department’s Curriculum and Program Development committee on best practices for online course delivery during the summer, a time when COMM faculty facilitate COMM 210. His guidance has helped create a more systematic and aligned course experience across all semesters. While Spencer’s focus is not solely on “new technology,” he leverages widely accessible technology to promote learning and success. His approach prepares students to be effective users and adopters of new technologies, with his course receiving high student ratings and praise for its clarity and organization. Spencer’s work exemplifies the “high technology” skills needed to deliver impactful online instruction to approximately 350 students each semester and to mentor them to be effective users of technology themselves!
Professionalism Award: Chris Flook
Senior Lecturer in Department of Media
Professor Chris Flook’s deep-rooted connections to the Muncie community are evident through his tireless efforts to engage, improve, and narrate the story of Muncie and East Central Indiana. As a lifelong resident, he is committed to projects that not only benefit the community but also reflect positively on Ball State University, CCIM, and the Department of Media. Professor Flook often involves students in these projects, offering them valuable hands-on experiences, although his involvement in the community extends beyond the classroom. He has received multiple grants from the Ball Brothers Foundation, including one for his recent project, “Thriving ECI: Stories for a Revitalized Region,” demonstrating the trust and respect he has earned within the community. His reputation for being ethical and professional, coupled with his unparalleled ability to tell the community’s story, has made him a sought-after figure. Furthermore, his work with Ball State Public Media lends a professional touch to their productions, and he is a multiple-time Emmy award-winning graphic artist. His column in the Muncie Star Press captures the region’s history, engaging readers and fostering a community of lifelong learners, a group to which Professor Flook himself proudly belongs, as evidenced by his research and publications.
Professor Flook’s unwavering professionalism, dependability, and consistency is the cornerstone of his success and his ability to make a meaningful impact. He is diligent and detailed with each and every grant he receives, ensuring that anything a project may need is accounted for and properly compensated. His dedication to innovation and continuous learning enriches his teaching, as he often integrates new ideas and methods into the classroom from his professional experience outside the academy. Through his work, Professor Flook is not only enhancing the Muncie community but also creating a thriving environment for students to live and work, showcasing the profound impact of his professionalism on both local and academic landscapes.
Extraordinary Service Award: Betsy Pike
Assistant Professor in Department of Media
Dr. Betsy Pike has been a pivotal force behind the renovation of the Ball Communication studios, a project that has already brought significant benefits to the Ball State community. Her efforts in coordinating, conceptualizing, and executing the renovation plan have transformed these spaces into state-of-the-art facilities that provide students with invaluable hands-on experience, preparing them exceptionally well for their careers beyond Ball State. The studios’ new capabilities have also attracted professional projects, such as hosting SONY Pictures for the creation of an Electronic Press Kit for the Garfield movie. This ability to accommodate professional work not only enhances the learning environment but also positions the university as an ideal place to “learn the business.” Dr. Pike’s dedication and countless hours of work beyond her “other duties as assigned” have been instrumental in creating these beautiful and functional spaces.
Throughout the renovation process, Dr. Pike has consistently met deadlines and advocated for the interests of students, faculty, and the university. Her vision and effective communication have been inclusive and reliable, allowing her to integrate diverse ideas and find solutions that satisfy the majority without alienating anyone. As the “voice of the renovation,” Dr. Pike has represented the university in meetings with vendors and within the university itself. Her ability to seek guidance from colleagues when needed demonstrates her commitment to the project’s success over personal recognition. Her leadership and coordination have set a standard of extraordinary service, with benefits that are already evident and will continue to grow. She deserves recognition for her unwavering dedication and the immeasurable impact of her work on the university and beyond.
Dean’s Faculty Award: David Hua
Associate Professor in Center for Information and Communication Sciences
Dr. David Hua showed exemplary leadership, dedication, and a steady hand as he served as Interim Director of CICS beginning in 2021. Also in service to his department, he Chaired 4 CICS faculty search committees in 2023-2024. But the faculty and staff of his outstanding unit are not his only concern or focus. He is a student-centered educator and administrator. He’s been Instrumental in offering the online Applied Cybersecurity degree through the Coursera platform. This meant he led our efforts to obtain ICHE approval for the BS in Applied Cybersecurity as well as the BA/BS in Computer & Information Technology, which will be offered as an online program.
David is also an outstanding departmental citizen known for his collaboration and good nature. Recently he collaborated with the Department of Media on development of a Minor in Broadcast and Media Engineering for 2024-2025 academic year. He has been instrumental in developing articulation agreements with Chinese universities and CICS. In addition to helping guide us through the Faculty Success adoption, he has been our Committee Chair for the Faculty Success and Retention Task Force.
At the university level he has been a Faculty Fellow, Skills Infusion Program, the Director of Intelligent Networked Devices Institute (INDi), BSU Knowledge Group and served as an New Faculty Academy facilitator helping to support new faculty.
Almost more important than the work is the way he does the work, a way that is outwardly supportive of the students, faculty, and staff to ensure that they are successful.