The School of Communication is #RedbirdProud of the most recent recipients of the Illinois State University Outstanding Teaching Awards.
Dr. Lindsey Thomas
Outstanding University Teacher Award, tenure track
Congratulations to Dr. Lindsey Thomas, associate professor of communication studies. To be eligible for this award, nominees must be full-time, tenured faculty with at least three years of service at Illinois State University. In addition, nominees must have previously received an outstanding teaching award from an academic college.
“Winning the Outstanding University Teacher Award feels like I’ve been invited to join an elite society of badass teachers!” said Thomas.
Thomas instructs coursework in research methods, family, and interpersonal communication.
Dr. Byron Craig
Outstanding University Teaching Initiative Award
Congratulations to Dr. Byron Craig, assistant professor of communication studies. To be eligible for this award, nominees must have served at least two years as full-time, tenure-track faculty at Illinois State University. In addition, nominees must have received support for their candidacy from both the school’s director and college dean.
“I feel very honored to have received this award,” said Craig. “I never expected this in a million years, so I am truly humbled!”
Craig instructs coursework in African-American rhetoric, visual rhetoric, and cultural differences in American society.
Kate Boutilier
The Claire and Tom Lamonica Outstanding University Teacher Award, A/P or CS
Congratulations to Kate Boutilier, academic advisor. This award was established in 2020 and recognizes outstanding teaching by individuals on administrative professional or civil service staff lines. Nominees must have completed at least four semesters of university credit-generating teaching responsibilities.
“It feels very humbling to be recognized with this award,” said Boutilier. “There are so many amazing instructors, mentors, and advisors in our community, and I am extremely flattered by the recognition. In my primary role of academic advisor, I see a lot of overlap between instructing and advising and am excited to grow as an instructor.”
Boutilier instructs coursework in communication as critical inquiry and introductory-level communication studies classes.
Nichole Hughes-Liss
Outstanding University Teacher Award, non-tenure track
Congratulations to Nichole Hughes-Liss, non-tenure track faculty (NTT). This award recognizes full- or part-time teachers with non-tenure track appointments with university credit-generating teaching responsibilities. Nominees for this award must be full- or part-time teachers and have completed at least four semesters of university credit-generating teaching responsibilities at Illinois State University.
“There are so many wonderful NTTs who teach at ISU, so I was surprised and honored to win this award,” said Hughes-Liss. “I have great mentors in the School of Communication, and winning this is a testament to the time and energy those people invest into helping me become a better educator and resource for my students.”
Hughes-Liss instructs coursework in communication as critical inquiry and introductory level communication studies classes.
Omolola Lasisi
Outstanding University Teaching Awards, level 1: Master’s
Congratulations to Omolola Lasisi, graduate teaching assistant. This award recognizes outstanding contributions to teaching made by graduate students as part of their program and educational experience at Illinois State University. Awards are offered at three levels.
“I feel thrilled and blessed to be receiving this award,” said Lasisi. “Wearing this teacher hat is a privilege I will forever be grateful for. This is also a testament to the incredible teacher training and guidance I have received here in the School of Communication. This is the largest and cutest cherry on the top of my 2023 teaching cake!”
Lasisi instructs coursework in communication as critical inquiry.
