Athens, Ga. – Three faculty members in the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication were recently recognized as top faculty in the department of journalism, department of advertising and public relations and department of telecommunications.
Janice Hume, Christa Ward and Betty Jones were acknowledged for their outstanding service, influential and stimulating instruction, and willingness to nurture student success during the Grady College Faculty and Staff Convocation held on Monday, April 30.
Hume is an associate professor in the department of journalism and one student noted that her lectures are “always colorfully illustrated with her personal experience and wisdom.” According to Kent Middleton, head of the department of journalism, Hume brings to students extensive journalistic experience, deeply thoughtful scholarship, sophisticated conceptual abilities, excellent writing and organization, and great warmth and humor.
“Janice is a revered teacher and scholar, earning the respect and friendship of students in introductory courses and graduate seminars,” noted Middleton. “She is equally effective teaching news interview techniques to beginning magazine majors as she is discussing theories of public memory in media history classes.”
Ward, an assistant professor, has been with the department of telecommunications for only two years but has already become one of the department’s best teachers, according to professor of telecommunications and interim department head Joe Dominick. “Christa teaches courses in the broadcast major that require a great deal of her time and energy,” noted Dominick. “Her students recognize and appreciate the effort that she puts into her teaching.”
Some typical student comments about Ward include: “Dr. Ward is an amazing teacher.” “Dr. Ward is awesome. I actually liked coming to this class.” “Dr. Ward was very professional and very helpful. She always went out of her way to help us.” “Dr. Ward is the best teacher I have had in Grady.”
“Such comments offer convincing evidence of why Christa was chosen for this award,” Dominick said.
Jones, a lecturer in the department of advertising and public relations, is an engaging and highly effective instructor, noted Karen W. King, head of the department of advertising and public relations. Besides her regular teaching assignments, Jones teaches numerous independent studies every year and has developed tutorials to help her students master new software.
“Betty is an outstanding colleague and friend to faculty and students. Her interactions with students go well beyond the classroom,” King said. “She serves as adviser to the Public Relations Student Society of America and to Creative Consultants, the student-run public relations agency. She’s also a mentor in the Honors Program. This role is expansive and Betty excels in this area. It is hard to describe the depth of affection her students have for her.”
Jones was described by one of her students as “more than a faculty adviser; she is a loving mentor and dear friend. I first met Dr. Jones during my freshman year when she was my Honors faculty mentor, and she took me under her wing and opened up many doors for me in PRSSA and on campus. I am grateful to have her be a part of my life.”
Another student said, “Dr. Jones not only gave me a strong educational foundation, but she made me a better person. She is one of those people who doesn’t leave your life untouched.”
The Grady College’s Outstanding Faculty Award winners were chosen by a committee of their peers. Each recipient received a framed certificate.
Established in 1915, the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication offers seven undergraduate majors including advertising, broadcast news, magazines, newspapers, public relations, publication management and telecommunication arts. The college offers two graduate degrees, and is home to the Knight Chair in Health and Medical Journalism and the Peabody Awards, internationally recognized as one of the most prestigious prizes for excellence in electronic media. For more information, visit www.grady.uga.edu.