Muncie, IN — August 19th, 2022. The College of Communication, Information, and Media at Ball State University (CCIM) Awards promote merit in communication, information, and media education by honoring individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the college and their respective fields. Award winners serve as inspirational leaders to CCIM as they embody the enduring values represented by Beneficence—excellence, innovation, courage, integrity, inclusiveness, social responsibility, and gratitude. We are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2022 CCIM Awards.

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Chris Flook, an Associate Lecturer in the Department of Media whose outstanding career routinely wins him awards. When asked about his teaching philosophy Chris said " I believe in building a class from the bottom up." He is truly an educator who cares for his students and wants to see them succeed.

Outstanding Teaching Award 2022

Chris Flook, is an Associate Lecturer in the Department of Media whose outstanding career routinely wins him awards. When asked about his teaching philosophy Chris said ” I believe in building a class from the bottom up.” He is truly an educator who cares for his students and wants to see them succeed.

 

 

 

Dr. Gabriel Tait, an Associate Professor in the School of Journalism and Strategic Communication. He also is the Visual Communication division head for the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication. His research extends over a multitude of topics such as photojournalism, diversity, and media. This has allowed him to receive multiple honors and awards through various journalism organizations.

 

 

Dr. Ed Lazaros is a professor for the College of Communication, Information, and Media. Since 2011 he has coordinated multiple community events. These include the Workplace Specialist I Training Program for the Indiana Department of Education and the Indiana Governor’s Workforce Cabinet.

 

Dr. Michael Sangyeob Lee is an Associate Professor of Media at BSU. His main focus is user-directed digital storytelling, features of characters in online role-playing games, and the use of uncanny phenomena in virtual environments. Even before coming to Ball State Michael had a love for broadcasting, video editing, and all things media. He has held several other positions within this field such as programming and technical directing.

 

 

Ashley serves as the assistant director of the Speech Team in addition to teaching undergraduate classes. She is also the faculty director of the Communication + Culture study abroad program, now in its second year. Due to Ashley's incredible professionalism the communications department, although a smaller department was able to raise thousands of dollars at the latest Ball State Day. 

Professionalism Award 2022

Ashley Coker serves as the assistant director of the Speech Team in addition to teaching undergraduate classes. She is also the faculty director of the Communication + Culture study abroad program, now in its second year. Due to Ashley’s incredible professionalism, the Department of Communication Studies was able to raise thousands of dollars at the latest Ball State Day. 

 

 

Dr. James Rediger is an Associate Professor of Communication Studies at BSU. Along with teaching online courses such as Business and Professional Communication, and Fundamentals of Public Speaking, Dr. Rediger is facilitating an exciting new Immersive Learning project with Inspire Academy – A School of Inquiry. Inspire Academy is a public, tuition-free school, chartered by Ball State University.

 

 

Benjamin Strack is an Assistant Teaching Professor of Media. Although Ben hasn't been at Ball State long he took a huge role in developing a new production curriculum. He worked to keep everyone happy and on the right track. This helped take our curriculum to the next level.

Extraordinary Service Award 2022

Benjamin Strack is an Assistant Teaching Professor of Media. Although Ben hasn’t been at Ball State long he took a huge role in developing a new production curriculum. He worked to keep everyone happy and on the right track. This helped take our curriculum to the next level.

 

 

 

Dan Waechter, Assistant Dean of CCIM Curriculum, Associate Chairperson, and Senior Lecturer of Journalism. Since 1988 Dan has been working hard to make sure students get the most out of the programs we offer.

 

 

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About CCIM

The College of Communication, Information, and Media (CCIM) at Ball State University creates challenging educational experiences that prepare students for careers as ethical practitioners and scholars. Our college redefines the intersection of communication and technology while emphasizing the importance of human interaction. CCIM students are leaders and entrepreneurs who go into a breadth of fields. They know how to adapt quickly to a diverse and ever-changing global job market to ensure fulfilling careers and meaningful lives.