2024 Outstanding University Teacher Award Recipients
Every year, ISU recognizes its most outstanding teachers through the Outstanding University Teacher Award program. By honoring such individuals, the university demonstrates its commitment to teaching excellence and to student learning.
Outstanding University Teacher Award, Tenured Track
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Dr. Jimmy Chrismon
Wonsook Kim School of Theatre and Dance
Dr. Chrismon is an experienced theatre educator with 17 years in public schools and currently serves as an Associate Professor of Theatre Teacher Education in the Wonsook Kim School of Art. His teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that human connection is essential to healthy development. Dr. Chrismon’s teaching is shaped by his extensive experience, continual learning, and responsiveness to the needs of his students.
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Dr. Derek Sparby
Department of English
Dr. Sparby teaches Introduction to English Studies, Introduction to Technical Writing, Digital Rhetoric, Visible Rhetoric, Multimodal Composition, and graduate-level courses in the Department of English. His teaching philosophy focuses on social justice and user-centered approaches, designing meaningful and relevant coursework. Dr. Sparby played a pivotal role in creating the Technical Writing and Rhetorics Sequence. He advises students and helps guide their academic and professional growth.
Outstanding University Teacher Award, Non-tenured Track
Dr. Amy Bloom
Department of Geography, Geology, and the Environment
Dr. Bloom began her teaching career at ISU in 2004 and is currently an Instructional Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography, Geology, and the Environment. She teaches a range of courses, including general education classes in Weather, Natural Disasters, and World Geography, as well as introductory and advanced courses in Physical Geography and Geographic Information Systems. Dr. Bloom also serves as Co-Coordinator for the Illinois Geographic Alliance, Inc., based at ISU, where she supports geography education.
Claire and Tom Lamonica Outstanding University Teaching Award
Steve Suess
School of Communication
Steve Suess is the Director of Convergent Radio Bloomington in the School of Communication and serves as the Faculty Advisor for WZND Radio, ISU’s student-run radio station. Now entering his 10th year at ISU, Suess teaches courses in Audio Production, Radio Applications, and Radio Management. In 2023, Suess was honored with the Excellence Award for Outstanding Administrative Professionals by the College of Arts and Sciences. Under his leadership and mentorship, WZND students have earned more than 30 national awards and 300 statewide awards for their individual work. During his tenure, WZND has been recognized as the Broadcast Education Association’s Signature Station four times, an international honor awarded to the best college radio station.
University Teaching Initiative Award
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Ruth Burke, MFA
Wonsook Kim School of Art
Ruth Burke is a professor from the Wonsook Kim School of Art. In her fifth year as a tenure-track faculty member, Burke teaches courses in the Studio Arts Video Sequence. She instructs Video 1 and 2, Special Projects in Video, and the Master of Fine Arts Seminar. Through her teaching, Burke encourages constructive critique, fosters respectful dialogue among peers, and creates projects that highlight the value of community engagement.
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Dr. Melissa Heil
Department of Geography, Geology, and the Environment
Dr. Heil is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography, Geology, and the Environment. She earned her B.A. in Organizational Studies from the University of Michigan, and her M.A. and Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Illinois. Since joining ISU in 2020, Dr. Heil has instructed courses including Human Geography, Urban Geography, Urban Planning, and Social and Cultural Geography. Dr. Heil’s teaching style combines rigorous academic inquiry with real-world application, preparing her students to address complex challenges in urban environments.
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Dr. Kristina B. Lewis
Department of English
Dr. Lewis is an Assistant Professor of TESOL and Applied Linguistics in the Department of English. Since joining ISU in fall 2022, Dr. Lewis has taught a variety of courses, including those in the TESOL minor, undergraduate electives on English grammar, and a graduate-level topics course in Classroom Discourse Analysis. Dr. Lewis is dedicated to creating impactful and engaging learning experiences for her students. She has implemented innovative projects that prepare future English for Speakers of Other Languages teachers to excel.
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Dr. Intan Suwandi
Department of Sociology and Anthropology
Dr. Suwandi joined ISU in fall 2020 and is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. Born and raised in Indonesia, Dr. Suwandi earned her Ph.D. in Sociology at the University of Oregon, specializing in international political economy. Her teaching focuses on interdisciplinary topics, including global supply chains, labor, and global development. Dr. Suwandi has shared her work widely through invited lectures at institutions and has contributed to public discourse through events, seminars, and interviews.
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Dr. Andrew Ventimiglia
School of Communication
Dr. Ventimiglia is an Assistant Professor of Mass Media in the School of Communication. He specializes in media law and ethics, and teaches courses such as Mass Media Law, Policy, and Ethics, Ethical Problems in Mass Media, and Film Festival Management and Curation. Dr. Ventimiglia also teaches graduate-level courses. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Ventimiglia directs the annual Foxtail Film Festival at the Normal Theater, providing students with hands-on experience in film curation and event management.
Outstanding University Graduate Student Teaching Award
Alexis Quick
School of Communication
Alexis is a second-year M.S. student in the School of Communication. As a graduate teaching assistant, Alexis serves as the instructor for COM 110: Communication as Critical Inquiry. She also provides instructional support for COM 178: Introduction to Public Relations. Alexis’s teaching philosophy centers on relationship-based learning and building a strong classroom community. She prioritizes creating an inclusive and supportive environment where students feel empowered to grow as confident communicators.