ComArtSci Faculty and Staff Recognized for Success in Teaching, Administration and Creativity

Join us in celebrating the success and accomplishments of our faculty and staff. Congratulations to all!

​​The following individuals were recognized at the 2017 All-University Awards on Feb. 7, 2017:

Rabindra “Robby” Ratan

​Assistant professor, Department of Media and Information

​Teacher-Scholar Award

​As a professor, Robby Ratan brings a unique style of teaching to the classroom. He shares with students about the exciting field of digital technology through real-time communication methods, avatar-based forums to facilitate student interaction and more. In his research, he is currently studying avatars and more using virtual reality; gender in video games and online; as well as autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles.​

Swarnavel Pillai

​Associate professor, Department of Media and Information

​Teacher-Scholar Award

​In the classroom, Swarnavel Pillai teaches students about film production, especially documentary, and the history of it with his expertise in Hollywood and Hindi genre cinema. During his time at Michigan State University, he has taught classes like Introduction to Film and Film Technologies. He is jointly appointed with the College of Communication Arts and Sciences and the College of Arts and Letters, where he teaches in the Department of English.

Mary Bresnahan

Professor, Department of Communication

​W.J. Beal Outstanding Faculty Award

​​Mary Bresnahan has been a member of the faculty at the College of Communication Arts and Sciences since 1987 and has produced over 90 published pieces of work, covering research in the area of health and intercultural communications. As a professor, she specializes in teaching her students about cross-cultural communication, interpersonal communication and topics like bullying and stigma.

Ann Hoffman

​Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Education, College of Communication Arts and Sciences

​Distinguished Academic Staff Award

​A dedicated member of Team ComArtSci, Ann Hoffman has grown the student advising program and staff and continues to create new systems that will better student experience at the college. She regularly participates in cross-college collaboration and partnerships to bring in innovative solutions. Hoffman is passionate about guiding and assisting undergraduates through their years at MSU.

Juan Mundel

​Doctoral Student, Department of Advertising and Public Relations

​Excellence-in-Teaching Citation

​Juan Mundel believes that communicating and building relationships with his students are the keys to success when it comes to teaching about advertising and public relations. He has contributed his insight to the development of the first online version of the Principles of Public Relations course, the Advertising and Society in Europe study abroad program all the while dedicating his time to his own higher education as a devoted Ph.D. student in the Information and Media program at MSU.

Karl Gude

​Professor, School of Journalism

​Media Sandbox Director

​MSU Alumni Association of Mid-Michigan Award

​Karl Gude is an advocate for expressing creativity in any and every possible way. With students, his teaching approach attempts to find new and innovative ways to encourage them to create and connect. He is known for his enthusiasm as a professor and imagination in both his in-person and online courses. He believes in providing students with real-world experiences that will motivate them for their future careers and life beyond the college stage.​

Peter LaPine

​Associate Professor, Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders

​Ralph H. Smuckler Award

​Peter LaPine is a longtime faculty member in the department and is responsible for founding the Vocal Tract Performance Laboratory. He is honored with this award for his dedication and work toward advancing international studies and programs at MSU. He will receive it on March 29, 2017.