It’s a rare day if the words “Fire it up!” don’t echo throughout the fourth floor of Fell Hall. The endearing, colloquial phrase has often been accompanied by “Rock on!” or “Sweet!” during Dr. Stephen Hunt’s near-decadelong tenure as director for Illinois State’s top-ranked School of Communication.
On August 15, Hunt will step down from his longtime leadership role and regain his faculty status. It’s the end of an era, but Hunt leaves an indelible legacy.
“It was a difficult decision to make, but it’s not like I’m going anywhere!” said Hunt. “I still have a lot to give to the School of Communication, and the discipline in general. I just need to make sure that I’m healthy enough to be able to do it.”
With the intention of prioritizing both his mental and physical health, Hunt will take a sabbatical in fall 2023 and return to the classroom in spring 2024.
“When I come back, I’m going to be teaching things that I’ve never taught in the past,” added Hunt. “And that excites me. It’ll be a good challenge, and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Hunt earned his stripes as a faculty member, achieving the rank of professor during his first 15 years of teaching. He joined the School of Communication faculty in 1998 after completing a Ph.D. in communication education at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Teaching is at the heart of his professional identity.
“It was never a dull moment stepping into class with Dr. Hunt,” said Emily Deppermann, M.S. ‘23. “He always took the time to get to know and understand each student’s interests to help tailor the class content to everyone. If you had an idea for a fun or unique project that mixed your interests with the topic of the class, Dr. Hunt would always encourage you to, ‘Fire it up!’”
In addition to teaching, Hunt has served in a variety of administrative roles during his tenure, including co-director of the basic COM 110 course, graduate coordinator, director of Honors, and the school’s associate director prior to stepping into the acting director role in 2014.
“Steve Hunt has been the epitome of an outstanding school director and a role model for others to follow,” said Dr. Larry Long, professor and director emeritus of the School of Communication. “Beyond having the consummate knowledge and expertise as a leader, he is one of the most trustworthy, loyal and friendly persons I have ever known. I knew without a doubt I had left the school in good hands when I retired. History proved that to be correct!”
Following Long’s retirement, Hunt served as interim director before assuming the role officially in 2016. From international trips to the Republic of Georgia and Paris, to domestic destinations like Vegas, he has represented and advocated for the School of Communication in countless capacities—always shining a spotlight on the outstanding work happening in and around Fell Hall.
“When I look back at the last 10 years, I’m most proud of the accomplishments of our faculty, staff, and students,” said Hunt. “Especially during the COVID-19 years. Everyone just came together and pulled us through. I’m exhausted, just like everyone else, but am so remarkably proud of the way we came together as a team.”
The pandemic presented its own sets of challenges, but the School of Communication continued to find ways to thrive under Hunt’s leadership.
“You really find out what leaders are made of when there is a crisis, and Steve rose to the task at every critical moment,” said Tom Lamonica, instructional assistant professor and internship program director. “From the very first work-from-home date of the COVID-19 pandemic, Steve was consistently patient, supportive, and encouraging of faculty, staff, students and alumni.”
Hunt worked with faculty and staff to find ways to not only “keep the lights on” but to keep them shining bright in each of the school’s unique student-focused media outlets.
“WZND is internationally recognized as one of the top college radio programs, and it’s by no mistake,” said Steve Suess, director of WZND. “Whether Steve was fighting for us to stay operational during the pandemic or organizing funding for technical and equipment upgrades, Dr. Hunt’s leadership has paved the way for our success. Our accolades rest on his shoulders.”
But Hunt’s leadership legacy extends far beyond the rough years of COVID-19—reaching well beyond the School of Communication.
“Steve is one of the finest people to walk this earth,” said Dr. Diane Zosky, former interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “He is one of the most positive, energetic, creative, and kind individuals I have had the pleasure to work with. His enthusiasm for all that he does is infectious. The School of Communication, the College of Arts and Sciences, and indeed the University is a better place due to his leadership.”
The job of a director is never dull. Oftentimes running from meeting to meeting, there’s work that takes place in between and on-the-go.
“It’s never been boring,” laughed Hunt. “Twenty-four hours a day, there is always something to do in this role. I learned a few years in that you have to make time for your own life. That includes stuff like research and course prep, but also things like the dentist and the doctor!”
While the role of director consistently kept Hunt busy, he is well known for slowing down when the moment called for it. Hunt is more than just a leader, he’s a friend to anyone who stepped off the elevator on the fourth floor of Fell Hall.
“I have worked with and for a lot of folks,” said Dr. Byron Craig, assistant professor of communication. “Dr. Hunt, however, is the best! His patience, his big heart, and his keen intelligence have just been a joy to be around. From day one, he pulled me into projects that continue to help me grow as a faculty member, but also as a citizen who is concerned about democracy, equity, equality, and accessibility. Steve is a wonderful executive director, but more importantly, I consider him a dear friend.”
A friend indeed. And a mentor too.
“Steve’s leadership has been invaluable for the School of Communication, and he is, without a doubt, the absolute best supervisor and mentor I’ve ever had!” said Elizabeth Chupp, director of advisement. “I wouldn’t be where I am now in my career without his mentorship and encouragement to take on opportunities and explore my strengths. But, beyond this, I believe Steve’s best leadership quality is that he truly cares about people. His compassion, empathy, and positivity are limitless, and I always appreciated that he put people first and encouraged us to do the same. I’m confident his legacy will live on in the leaders he helped shape.”
As the School of Communication transitions and prepares for new leadership, one thing holds true. Hunt’s steadfast leadership has built a strong foundation ready to welcome the future. With changes to the long-standing COM Week tradition on the horizon, another incoming record-breaking freshman class, and new majors and minors in the works, the school is well-positioned to turn the page and embrace a new chapter.
“It’s going to be different, for sure,” added Hunt. “I’ve been here for twenty-five years and have seen so many points of transition for the school. Cornerstone faculty who made this place what it is and put us on the map leave and retire. It happens. But I have no doubt that the foundations of this place are very solid, and the future is bright. I have no doubt about that.”
The School of Communication will remain forever indebted to the leadership of Hunt. His presence has left an enormous, positive impact on Illinois State University as a whole.
Steve, on behalf of the entire School of Communication faculty, staff, students, and alumni, it is with sincere appreciation that we collectively send you off with a gracious thank you. Thank you for the leadership. Thank you for the laughs. And thank you for the legacy you’re leaving behind.
In the words of Dr. Hunt himself, “it’s a great time to be a Redbird.”
Fire it up.
