Dr. Byron Craig of the School of Communication is a recipient of the Living Our Values Award for his work that embodies Illinois State University’s value of Individualized Attention. 

The Living Our Values (LOV) awards recognize individuals and groups that exemplify Illinois State’s core values of Learning and Scholarship, Diversity and Inclusion, Respect, Collaboration, Individualized Attention, Civic Engagement, and Integrity, as spelled out in Educate Connect Elevate: Illinois State–The Strategic Plan for Illinois’ First Public University 2018-2023. The awards celebrate the commitment to live the University’s values every day and strengthen the campus community by sharing those values. 

Joining Illinois State in 2019, Craig serves as an assistant professor, teaching theory and research in the School of Communication. “Dr. Craig pushes his students to think outside of the box and dream bigger, being an encouraging and compassionate presence for everyone,” said student Holly Filsinger when nominating Craig. “The respect he has for his students is felt, creating an environment that welcomes everyone and pushes us to be more engaged students.” 

“Dr. Craig is model faculty member who takes student learning seriously,” said Executive Director of the School of Communication Dr. Stephen Hunt. “It’s clear that he cares deeply for our students and devotes significant time to providing the kind of individualized attention that promotes deep, meaningful learning. We are fortunate to have him in the School of Communication family.” 

“I am very honored to have been nominated for this award by Holly,” said Craig. “As a faculty member in the School of Communication, I feel I have been given the opportunity to meet our students where they are and hopefully make a difference in their lives both academically and culturally.” 

Nominees for the Living Our Values awards can be any current Illinois State student, faculty, or staff member, or a team at Illinois State working toward a program or initiative that reflects the University’s core values. Nominations can be made via the Educate Connect Elevate website