Awards & Honors
Department honors Hays, Mabry, Misun, Strout with annual awards
The Department of Communication at Mississippi State University recently announced the winners of faculty awards for 2023 recognizing excellence in teaching, research and service as well as outstanding lecturer.
During the monthly department faculty meeting in April, Larry Strout, Tonya Hays, Chris Misun, and Paula Mabry were honored for their contributions to the department.
Strout, an associate professor in broadcast & digital journalism, received the 2023 Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching.
“Larry’s commitment to providing a high-quality education for his students is clear. Incorporating both the content and lessons learned through his own achievement of an additional degree into his teaching undoubtedly provides for a more meaningful classroom experience. He has even gone so far as using that background as a foundation for developing a new course,” said an alumni external reviewer.
Hays, an assistant professor in theatre, received the 2023 Faculty Award for Excellence in Research or Creative Achievement.
“There is no doubt that Tonya’s creative achievement is aligned with the university’s new tagline, “Taking Care of What Matters.” Her work using theatre as a mechanism for social change and helping others see the role the arts can play in improving our lives is incredibly commendable,” said an alumni external reviewer.
Misun, an instructor, received the 2023 Faculty Award for Excellence in Service.
“The depth to which Chris has jumped into service activities that benefit the department, university, and community in just four short years is incredibly impressive. His passion for film and broadcasting is clear, taking his efforts outside of the classroom in a way that creates enriching opportunities and stronger connections across the campus, community, and state for the Department of Communication,” said an alumni external reviewer.
Mabry, a lecturer, received the 2023 Outstanding Lecturer Award.
“Paula’s lifelong commitment to her specialty is beyond admirable. Even after 35 in secondary education, she continues to engage in professional development and her students reap the benefit. I appreciate that she encourages students regardless of how little or how much experience they have in theater,” said an alumni external reviewer.
The MSU Department of Communication is housed in the College of Arts & Sciences. The department currently serves approximately 600 majors in five concentrations: broadcast & digital journalism, communication & media studies, print & digital journalism, public relations, and theatre.