2016 Outstanding University Teacher Award Winner, Non-Tenure Track

Bob Carroll, M.S.

M.S. in Communication, Illinois State University (2015)
Production Coordinator of TV-10 News, School of Communication

Teaching philosophy

The greatest success stories start with the most spectacular failures.

The people who have been the most important influences in my teacher career

My parents and three sisters. They have all been, and continue to be inspirational to me. I have found that many of my mom’s rules for success in the kindergarten classroom apply very well to success in the university classroom.

The best moments in my teaching career

Watching less-gifted students graduate—and get jobs. From this I have learned that determination can overcome great difficulties.

I want to continue to improve my teaching by

Making more video tutorials that approach the subject matter in ways the students may not have considered in the past.

The most rewarding part of teaching

The students’ passion to learn is what makes me want to get up every morning.

Photo of Bob Carroll — “I like seeing people grow in their understanding of social reality, specifically communication and hope that this will make a difference in their relationships, workplace interactions, and involvement as active citizens in a diverse world.”