Award Recipients

2024 Award Recipients

Each year, we proudly recognize outstanding educators and scholars for their exceptional contributions to teaching and learning. Meet the 2024 recipients below, or view past years' award and grant recipients

Outstanding University Teacher Award, Tenured Track

Dr. Jimmy Chrismon

Wonsook Kim School of Theatre and Dance

Dr. Chrismon, Associate Professor at the Wonsook Kim School of Art, is an experienced theatre educator with 17 years in public schools. He centers his teaching on connection, growth, and student needs.

Dr. Derek Sparby

Department of English

Dr. Sparby teaches writing and rhetoric courses in ISU’s English Department, focusing on social justice and user-centered design. He helped create the Technical Writing and Rhetorics Sequence and advises students on academic and professional growth.

Learn how to apply or nominate for Outstanding University Teacher Award, Tenured Track

Outstanding University Teacher Award, Non-tenured Track

Dr. Amy Bloom

Department of Geography, Geology, and the Environment

Dr. Bloom, Instructional Assistant Professor in Geography, teaches physical geography, GIS, and gen ed courses. She also co-coordinates the Illinois Geographic Alliance, supporting geography education across the state.

Learn how to apply or nominate for Outstanding University Teacher Award, Non-tenured Track

Claire and Tom Lamonica Outstanding University Teaching Award

Steve Suess

School of Communication

Steve Suess directs Convergent Radio Bloomington and advises WZND Radio. Now in his 10th year at ISU, he teaches audio and radio courses. Under his mentorship, WZND has won numerous awards, including BEA’s Signature Station honor four times.

Learn how to apply or nominate for Claire and Tom Lamonica Outstanding University Teaching Award

University Teaching Initiative Award

Ruth Burke, MFA

Wonsook Kim School of Art

A professor from the Wonsook Kim School of Art in her fifth year as a tenure-track faculty member, Ruth Burke teaches courses in the Studio Arts Video Sequence. Her courses emphasize critique, dialogue, and community engagement.

Dr. Melissa Heil

Department of Geography, Geology, and the Environment

Dr. Heil, Assistant Professor in Geography at ISU, teaches courses on human and urban geography. Her teaching blends academic rigor with real-world application to prepare students for urban challenges.

Dr. Kristina B. Lewis

Department of English

Dr. Lewis, Assistant Professor of TESOL and Applied Linguistics, teaches English grammar, TESOL courses, and graduate seminars. She designs engaging, hands-on projects to prepare future ESOL educators.

Dr. Intan Suwandi

Department of Sociology and Anthropology

Dr. Suwandi, Assistant Professor of Sociology, focuses on global supply chains, labor, and development. Her interdisciplinary teaching draws on her international background and research in political economy.

Dr. Andrew Ventimiglia

School of Communication

Dr. Ventimiglia, Assistant Professor of Mass Media, teaches media law, ethics, and film curation. He also directs ISU’s Foxtail Film Festival, offering students real-world experience in media and event planning.

Learn how to apply or nominate for University Teaching Initiative Award

Outstanding University Graduate Student Teaching Award

Alexis Quick

School of Communication

Alexis, an M.S. student in Communication, teaches COM 110 and supports COM 178. Her teaching emphasizes relationship-based learning and inclusive classroom environments that foster student confidence.

Learn how to apply or nominate for Outstanding University Graduate Student Teaching Award