College of Communication and Information Presents Awards

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 8, 2015) — The University of Kentucky College of Communication and Information held its 15th annual Excellence Awards Dinner Friday, April 24, at the Hilary J. Boone Center. The event honored outstanding faculty, staff, alumni and past award recipients.

Honorees included:

Friend of the College Award: Recognizes a person who has demonstrated support to the College of Communication and Information or one of its units by volunteering, providing internships, or by their involvement in programs supported by the college. This year the college honored two recipients:

Janice Birdwhistell, former College of Communication and Information director of development for 13 years and chief of staff for Dean Dan O’Hair for two years until her retirement

Kip Cornett, founder and current president and CEO of advertising agency Cornett and current chair of the Breeders’ Cup Festival Week Host Committee

Outstanding Alumnus Award: Recognizes an alumnus of the College of Communication and Information for their many contributions to the college and community. This year the college honored:

Lonzell Watson, (Telecommunications, 1999)

Faculty Teaching Excellence Award: Recognizes faculty who not only demonstrate mastery of the subject matter, but also awareness of current developments, and a vision of what is to come.  They demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate that knowledge to students in ways that foster understanding, intellectual growth, and a broadening of perspectives. This year the college honored:

Matthew Savage, assistant professor of health communication in the Department of Communication

Graduate Teaching Excellence Award: Recognizes students who not only excel in their own studies, but they also demonstrate knowledge and expertise of their field through teaching undergraduate students. This year the college honored:

Timothy Bill, doctoral candidate in the Graduate Program in Communication, also serves as the director of forensics and the head coach of the university’s competitive speech and debate team

Faculty Research Award: Recognizes faculty achievement in research that is important to both the college and the faculty member’s area of expertise. This year the college honored:

Sherali Zeadally, associate professor of information communication technology in the School of Library and Information Science

Outstanding Staff Award: Recognizes outstanding work and contributions by a staff member. This year the college honored two recipients:

Amber Troxell, administrative assistant for the School of Library and Information Science

Maggie Chapman, administrative staff officer

Faculty Community Service Award: Recognizes achievements by faculty in service to the community. This year the college honored:

Shari Veil, associate professor of communication and associate dean for undergraduate affairs

Outstanding Advisor Award: Recognizes the critical role played by advisors in fostering academic achievement, clearing pathways to graduation, and providing meaningful engagement on campus and in the community. This year the college honored two recipients:

Schyler Simpson, lecturer, recruiter

            Mike Farrell, associate professor in the School of Journalism and                                       Telecommunications

MEDIA CONTACT: Blair Hoover and Rebecca Stratton; (859) 323-2395; blair.hoover@uky.edu, rebecca.stratton@uky.edu