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As part of its annual awards ceremony, the School of Communications recognized several faculty and staff members for their outstanding contributions during the 2025-26 academic year. Held May 7 in Turner Theatre, the celebration honored individuals whose leadership, teaching, scholarship and service have helped shape the student experience and strengthen the school community.

“Today, we recognize our faculty and staff members – who are all outstanding. But each year some rise a bit above,” said Kenn Gaither, dean of the School of Communications.

The ceremony, which kicked off with a few dozen student awards, also included a special retirement recognition for Professor of Journalism Anthony Hatcher, who will conclude more than two decades of service to ���ϲ����� at the end of the spring semester.

The following summaries highlight the honored faculty and staff members, listed in presentation order. Ceremony photos are available on the school’s .

Outstanding Staff Member Award

Maggie Mullikin, Manager of Experiential Programs

The award recognizes a staff member of the School of Communications who contributes to the betterment and reputation of the school and its initiatives.

During his introduction of the staff award, Gaither praised Mullikin for the steady guidance and energy she brings to experiential learning across the School of Communications.

“Maggie plays a central role in helping our students make the most of their time at ���ϲ�����,” Gaither said. “She helps students navigate ELRs, study-away opportunities, internships and career pathways, all while ensuring those experiences are meaningful, connected and, ultimately, transformative.”

Gaither highlighted Mullikin’s ability to bring people together, noting her close collaborations with faculty, departments, Career Services and campus partners to ensure experiential learning remains a defining part of the student experience.

One school staff member described Mullikin as someone who “lights up a room,” adding that “people gravitate toward her” because of the welcoming and genuine presence she brings to every interaction.

Gaither also emphasized Mullikin’s commitment to helping students pursue opportunities beyond campus — whether refining a resume, preparing for an interview, or connecting students with alumni and industry professionals.

“If experiential learning is the engine that drives the School of Communications, Maggie is one of the people making sure it runs smoothly,” Gaither said.

Excellence in Scholarship Award

Sydney Nicolla, Assistant Professor of Strategic Communications

This award recognizes a faculty member whose scholarly and creative work is of high quality and brings distinction to ���ϲ�����.

In just a short time at ���ϲ�����, Nicolla has built a research portfolio defined by both academic rigor and real-world relevance. For her growing body of work exploring how digital and social media can improve adolescent and women’s health, Nicolla was recognized with the school’s 2026 Excellence in Scholarship Award. Much of her research focuses on gender-based violence, using communication research to better understand how prevention efforts can connect with young audiences in meaningful and effective ways.

“Her work tackles complex, sensitive issues with both rigor and purpose — seeking not just to understand communication, but to use it as a tool for prevention and change,” said Gaither during his award presentation.

Since joining ���ϲ����� in fall 2023, Nicolla has quickly established herself as a rising scholar with publications in leading journals, including the Journal of Health Communication, Nicotine & Tobacco Research, and the Journal of Adolescent Health.

Gaither highlighted Nicolla’s recent publication in Communication Research Reports, which examined how young people describe unwanted sexual experiences using responses from nearly 800 participants. By studying the language young adults use to discuss those experiences, the research offers insight into how prevention messaging can better resonate with its intended audiences.

Gaither commended Nicolla for scholarship that reflects ���ϲ�����’s mission as a student-centered institution, noting the intentionality she brings to both her teaching and research.

“Sydney’s scholarship does exactly what we hope all great communication does,” Gaither said. “It listens carefully, speaks thoughtfully and works to make the world a little better.”

Inclusive Excellence Award

Lorraine Ahearn, Assistant Professor of Journalism

The award recognizes a faculty member who provides exceptional leadership in diversity, equity and inclusion and enhances DEI initiatives across the school through action-oriented outcomes.

In presenting the Inclusive Excellence Award, Gaither emphasized the School of Communications’ continued commitment to fostering a culture where all individuals feel welcomed, supported and heard.

“That commitment does not happen by accident,” Gaither said. “It requires leadership, intention and a willingness to engage in meaningful — and sometimes challenging — conversations.”

An assistant professor of journalism, Ahearn was recognized for both her scholarship and leadership surrounding issues of representation, access and belonging. Drawing from a professional background as a reporter, columnist and commentator, her work has consistently focused on voice, accountability and the stories that often go untold.

Gaither noted that Ahearn’s scholarship, which explores the media history of marginalized communities, reflects a deep commitment to understanding who is represented in media narratives — and who is not.

But it is Ahearn’s leadership within the School of Communications that has made her impact especially visible. For the past two years, she has chaired the school’s Inclusive Excellence Committee, helping shape its vision and lead its signature event, the annual Spotlight on Inclusive Excellence.

Under her guidance, the event has evolved into a meaningful opportunity for students, faculty and staff to engage in conversations surrounding equity, representation and storytelling in the communications and sport industries.

“As Lorraine has noted, these conversations reflect a rapidly evolving communications landscape,” Gaither said. “Questions of access, voice and representation are not peripheral, but central to the work we do.”

Gaither added that Ahearn’s work serves as a reminder that inclusive excellence is an ongoing process rooted in curiosity, care and thoughtful listening.

Excellence in Leadership Award

Ben Hannam, Associate Professor of Communication Design

The award recognizes a member of the School of Communications who richly contributes to the betterment and reputation of the school and the discipline.

In presenting the Excellence in Leadership Award, Gaither praised Hannam for guiding the Department of Communication Design through a period of growth, innovation and forward-thinking change.

“Good leadership moves things forward,” Gaither said. “Great leadership brings people with it. Professor Ben Hannam has done both.”

Since becoming department chair in 2021, Hannam has helped lead the program through several significant developments, including the rollout of a revised curriculum and the recent approval to rename and rebrand the program as Visual Communication — changes designed to better align the program with the evolving creative industry.

Gaither also highlighted Hannam’s leadership surrounding artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, noting his involvement in campus-wide AI initiatives, interdisciplinary working groups and workshops focused on the thoughtful integration of AI into teaching and creative practice.

Hannam also played a key role in launching the inaugural Make Your Mark: AI Poster Competition, a hands-on event that challenged students to critically examine how AI can support — rather than replace — creative work.

“It’s a fitting example of Ben’s approach,” Gaither said. “Practical, collaborative and just a little bit experimental — in the best sense of the word.”

Beyond his work within the department, Hannam was commended for building partnerships across campus, including collaborations with the Art Department, the AI Sandbox, Game Design initiatives, and the development of the Digital Content Management major.

One colleague praised Hannam for his “initiative, inclusivity, desire for innovation, significant hard work behind the scenes and steady leadership.”

Gaither added that Hannam’s leadership has strengthened the department while expanding opportunities for students and faculty alike.

Excellence in Teaching Award

Jessalynn Strauss, Associate Professor of Strategic Communications

The award recognizes a faculty member who is outstanding in the classroom, current in the discipline, a quality academic adviser, and committed to student learning at the highest level.

During his presentation of the Excellence in Teaching Award, Gaither praised Strauss for the thoughtful, student-centered approach she brings to every classroom experience.

“At a university recognized as the nation’s leader in undergraduate teaching, excellence in the classroom is not just an expectation — it’s a defining part of who we are,” Gaither said. “Jessalynn Strauss represents that distinction in every sense.”

An associate professor and chair of the Department of Strategic Communications, Strauss teaches courses including Strategic Writing, Public Relations and Civic Responsibility, Strategic Research Methods and Great Ideas. Across each course, Gaither noted that Strauss consistently challenges students while ensuring they feel supported throughout the learning process.

Much of Strauss’ impact was reflected in the words shared by her students, who described her as “incredibly encouraging,” “deeply engaged,” and someone who “genuinely cares” about student success.

“One student noted that she ‘will try and help you with literally anything,’” Gaither said. “Another shared that they left her class feeling like their work would ‘actually serve them in the professional world.’”

Gaither emphasized Strauss’ ability to meet students where they are and help them grow with confidence through detailed feedback, carefully structured assignments and a classroom environment that balances independence with guidance.

“One student described her teaching style as being ‘just hands-off enough’ to encourage independence, while always being there to guide and redirect,” Gaither said.

A colleague also praised Strauss for creating a classroom atmosphere where students feel both energized and valued.

“Her enthusiasm in the classroom helps students learn and makes them happy at the same time,” one colleague shared. “They feel valued.”

Gaither added that Strauss embodies the qualities that define outstanding teaching at ���ϲ����� — rigorous, relevant and deeply personal.

Retirement recognition: Anthony Hatcher

After more than two decades of service to ���ϲ�����, Professor of Journalism Anthony Hatcher will retire at the conclusion of the spring semester, leaving behind a legacy defined by mentorship, integrity and an unwavering commitment to students.

Since joining the School of Communications in 2002, Hatcher has shaped generations of journalists through his thoughtful teaching, steady guidance and deep belief in the power and responsibility of journalism. Whether leading discussions on difficult global issues, mentoring aspiring reporters, or directing study abroad experiences across the world, Hatcher has approached every interaction with empathy, fairness and academic rigor.

“For Anthony, students always come first. Always,” Dean Gaither said during a retirement recognition at the school’s annual awards ceremony. “Students see him as a knowledgeable, caring instructor. Colleagues see him as a calming influence who engenders respect for who he is — no airs, no fronts, no ego.”

Over the years, Hatcher led global engagement experiences to countries including South Africa and Poland, while also helping students navigate conversations surrounding religion, media, politics and culture with openness and respect. One student described him as “one of the most thoughtful professors I’ve ever had,” praising his ability to create space for honest dialogue without fear of judgment.

Gaither also noted Hatcher’s lasting influence on the journalism profession, with former students now working in newsrooms across the country.

“He is, and always will be, one of the purest guardians of truth and information through journalism,” Gaither said.

As he begins retirement, colleagues and alumni alike will remember Hatcher not only as an outstanding educator, but as a kind, humble and deeply respected member of the ���ϲ����� community.