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.