Dr. Susan Lewis, assistant professor of journalism and mass communication at Abilene Christian University, has been selected as "Teacher of the Year" by the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication's Small Programs Interest Group.
This award honors those who place special emphasis on not only teaching, but working closely with their students. The award includes a plaque and $100 prize to be presented to Lewis during a luncheon at the AEJMC national convention in Chicago.
Lewis, who served as interim chair of ACU's Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, as well as being instrumental in planning the university's new multi-media news facility, was cited by the Small Programs Interest Group's Teaching Committee for the "up-to-date quality of her teaching topics and class exercises, and her superior teaching evaluations."
"Dr. Lewis is liked, admired and on occasion feared by students who know that her classes will be exciting, intriguing, innovative and demanding," said Dr. Cheryl Bacon, chair of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication. "She brings superb preparation to every class period, integrating cutting edge technology into every course."
Lewis, who has been at ACU for nine years, specializes in teaching writing for electronic media, and created the university's first such course in 2002.
"Whether we are in a computer lab in Abilene, or in the lobby of a European media outlet during a study abroad trip, my responsibility is to incite a curiosity and a thoughtful regard for the task at hand," Lewis said.
Lewis received a bachelor's degree in 1992 and a master's degree in 1997, both from ACU, and earned a doctorate degree from Pepperdine University in 2006.
If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact ACU's Public Relations Office or call (325) 674-2696.
