Hussman School faculty, student recognized with 2019 Chancellor's Awards

Two UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media faculty members and one student were recognized at the 2019 Chancellor’s Awards ceremony and reception on Tuesday, April 16, in the Great Hall of the Frank Porter Graham Student Union.

Assistant Professor Joe Cabosky and Professor of the Practice Dana McMahan received undergraduate teaching awards. Senior Caroline Bass ’19 was awarded the E. Eugene Jackson Award by the Chancellor’s Awards Committee.

“I'm biased, but needless to say, at the School of Media and Journalism, we love our students,” said Cabosky. “The fact the award was chosen by UNC students makes this award, and my life, a very special one."

Both Cabosky and McMahan teach in the advertising and public relations area of study at the Hussman School. Cabosky joined the Hussman School in 2015 as an assistant professor, while McMahan has been on the faculty since 2008.

“I’m so grateful to the student committee for this award,” McMahan said. “I’m proud of the Hussman School’s creative environment and the encouragement to do this work. It’s an honor and a joy to be a part of the students’ journey here at UNC.”

The recipients of the undergraduate teaching awards — three in total from across disciplines — are chosen by the Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards (SUTASA) Committee for their outstanding undergraduate instruction and contributions to the undergraduate experience.

“Given that only three awards were given for the campus, this is an extraordinary honor for the school,” said Director of Advertising and Public Relations John Sweeney.

Bass has served as the chair of SUTASA for the past four years and said it’s been a privilege to watch the student body select outstanding professors and people to honor.

“It's the people who make Carolina home to so many of us,” Bass said. “It's been my pleasure to serve in this leadership capacity where we honor some of our greatest Tar Heels.”

The E. Eugene Jackson Award was established by the Class of 1989 to honor E. Eugene Jackson, whose contributions to the University were a model of selfless service. It is given annually to the member of the graduating class whose leadership and selfless dedication have strengthened class pride and University loyalty, enriched the lives of seniors and made a significant contribution to the University.

Bass said she was honored to receive the award from Interim Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz, as she has worked closely with him over the past four years through his advisory board.

“The day was so special because the award represents a selfless dedication to making Carolina better, an award that was given to Eve Carson posthumously,” Bass said. “This in itself is the greatest honor I could ever receive.”