UNC Hussman recognizes faculty and staff excellence in teaching, service and innovation  

The UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media continued its tradition of recognizing faculty and staff excellence in teaching, service and innovation with awards announced at the close of the 2025–26 academic year. 

Every year, the school selects winners for its Staff Excellence Award, Val Lauder Award in Teaching, Richard Cole Service Award, David Brinkley Teaching Excellence Award and the Edward Vick Prize for Innovation in Teaching.  

 “At the heart of UNC Hussman are people who invest deeply in our students and one another,” said Raul Reis, dean of UNC Hussman. “This year’s honorees reflect that shared commitment and the difference it makes across our school.” 

Staff Excellence Award 

Accountant Brad Bynum and Communications and Marketing Strategist Crystal Wu earned 2026 Staff Excellence Awards. The award recognizes teamwork, creativity, commitment, flexibility and a positive attitude.   

Bynum oversees budget planning, management and reporting for the school and was recognized for his reliability, expertise and commitment to supporting colleagues across the school.  

Nominators consistently highlighted his willingness to go beyond the call of duty, particularly in helping colleagues navigate complex systems like Concur. His calm, solutions-oriented approach and attention to detail were frequently cited as easing frustration and improving day-to-day operations.  

“Brad is calm; he is friendly; he is determined to help. He follows every thread,” one nominator wrote. Others described him as an “unsung hero” whose professionalism and high standards set a benchmark for excellence within the business office. 

Colleagues also pointed to his leadership and deep knowledge of business and finance processes, noting his ability to streamline operations and respond to challenges with accuracy and care. Across nominations, Bynum was recognized not only for keeping systems running smoothly, but for making a meaningful difference in the work experience of those around him.  

Wu supports the school’s strategic communications efforts by developing written and visual content for digital and print platforms. Her work promotes the achievements and impact of UNC Hussman students, faculty, staff and alumni. 

Nominators cited her creativity, collaboration and leadership in advancing the school’s communications and praised both the quality of her work and the positivity she brings to her team.  

Her work on the monthly eCommunicator, the annual Hussman Communicator magazine and the school’s social media strategy was frequently cited as strengthening UNC Hussman’s visibility and engagement.  

“Crystal is the driving force behind how the school tells its story,” one nominator wrote. Others noted her initiative, flexibility and ability to consistently exceed expectations, even under tight deadlines.  

Colleagues also emphasized her kindness and teamwork, describing her as “always professional, caring and sharing a positive attitude.” Across nominations, Wu was recognized as both a talented communicator and a supportive, trusted colleague whose impact is felt through the UNC Hussman community. 

Val Lauder Award in Teaching  

Adjunct Instructor Allen Bosworth was honored with the Val Lauder Award in Teaching, which recognizes a non-full-time faculty member for excellence in teaching.  

A longtime instructor at UNC Hussman, Bosworth brings decades of industry experience into the classroom. He co-founded the national advertising agency EP+Co in 1986 and now serves as its president, leading work across industries including retail, restaurants and telecommunications. His career includes helping shape the growth of Verizon in the early days of the wireless industry, and his agency has earned national recognition, including Ad Age’s A-List distinction.  

Bosworth was also inducted into the NC Media & Journalism Hall of Fame in 2025 and serves as chair of the UNC Hussman Board of Advisers. 

Nominators and students alike praised Bosworth’s dynamic teaching style and ability to inspire creativity. “He is an industry giant… and pushes our students to think big and creatively,” one nominator wrote, noting his exceptional energy in the classroom. 

Students consistently highlighted his enthusiasm, support and hands-on approach. “He always had such a positive attitude and held so much passion and inspiration,” one student wrote. Others described him as “supportive, kind and communicative,” with a classroom environment that encourages idea generation and confidence.  

Across feedback, Bosworth was recognized for creating an engaging, high-energy learning experience that leaves a lasting impact on his students.  

Richard Cole Service Award 

Assistant Professor and Director of Online Graduate Certificates Lorra Brown and Associate Professor Amanda Reid were each recognized with a Richard Cole Service Award that goes to one junior and one senior faculty member who work to create a collaborative culture within the school. The award honors Dean Emeritus Richard Cole, who led the school from 1979-2005.   

In her first year at UNC Hussman, Brown made immediate and wide-ranging contributions to the school’s community, curriculum and student opportunities. Her service includes work on the bylaws and handbook committee, the M.A. in Digital Communication committee and leadership of the graduate certificate program.  

Brown also played a key role in co-facilitating an advertising and public relations curriculum revamp, bringing industry insights, data and early-career skills mapping guide updates. Colleagues noted her commitment to collaboration, including sharing resources and supporting both full-time and adjunct faculty.  

Beyond the classroom, Brown has expanded opportunities for students through guest speaker programs, career treks and cross-disciplinary partnerships. Her work connecting students with industry professionals and emerging trends — including artificial intelligence and career readiness — has helped position UNC Hussman at the forefront of innovation.  

As one nominator wrote, Brown “hit the ground running” and has taken on significant service responsibilities, demonstrating a strong commitment to strengthen the school’s culture and community.  

Another nominator emphasized Brown’s approachability and willingness to take on behind‑the‑scenes work that strengthens the school as a whole. 

“Lorra is the kind of colleague who sees what needs to be done and steps in,” one nominator wrote, noting her responsiveness, openness to feedback and consistent focus on student success.  

Associate Professor Reid was recognized with the Richard Cole Service Award for her sustained contributions as a senior faculty member and her commitment to fostering a collaborative, supportive culture within UNC Hussman. 

Reid joined UNC Hussman in 2018. She teaches media law courses at the school; serves as an adjunct professor at the UNC School of Law; and is a faculty co-director for the UNC Center for Media Law and Policy. 

A highly regarded educator, Reid was honored with UNC’s Distinguished Teaching Award for Post‑Baccalaureate Instruction in 2024. She also received the Edward Vick Prize for Innovation in Teaching in 2025 and the David Brinkley Teaching Excellence Award in 2023. 

Nominators highlighted Reid’s long‑term service mindset and her reliability as a colleague who contributes thoughtfully to shared governance, program needs and faculty collaboration. Colleagues described her as someone who consistently invests time and expertise in strengthening the school, while modeling professionalism and care for both students and peers. 

“Amanda is deeply committed to the school and to the people who make it run,” one nominator wrote.  

Another added, “She shows up consistently, brings deep institutional knowledge to her service work and is always willing to do what is needed to support the school and its mission.” 

David Brinkley Teaching Excellence Award  

Associate Professor Spencer Barnes was recognized with the David Brinkley Teaching Excellence Award that honors excellence in teaching and a commitment to helping students inside and outside the classroom. 

Barnes teaches courses in graphic design, information visualization and 3D animation and visual effects, bringing an interdisciplinary background that includes degrees in graphic design, industrial design and engineering education. His research focuses on how journalists use visual communication to help audiences better understand complex topics. 

Nominators praised Barnes for his transformative impact on students, noting his ability to build both skills and confidence. “He does more than teach content,” one student wrote. “He transforms confidence for every student… and reshapes not just how you learn, but how you see yourself as a student, a creator and a future professional.” 

In addition to his classroom teaching, Barnes has contributed extensively to curriculum development and academic leadership. As a director of the residential master’s program, he led efforts to redesign the degree into a streamlined one-year experience. He has also served on multiple University committees and previously co-chaired the University Teaching Awards Committee.  

A recipient of several teaching honors, including the Chancellor’s Award for Student Undergraduate Teaching and the Tanner Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, Barnes was recognized by colleagues as a dedicated educator whose impact extends well beyond the classroom.  

Edward Vick Prize for Innovation in Teaching  

Assistant Professor Scott Geier, Assistant Professor Nazanin Knudsen and Assistant Professor Carl William Kenney were each honored with the Edward Vick Prize for Innovation in Teaching that recognizes creativity and innovation in teaching that meaningfully enhances student learning experiences.

Geier was recognized for his leadership in developing innovative, interdisciplinary learning opportunities, most notably Converge-Con, a multi-day event focused on artificial intelligence and human creativity. Nominators highlighted his role in envisioning and executing the immersive experience, which brought together students, faculty and industry leaders while blending theory, practice and ethical inquiry.  

His classroom teaching was also praised for its “human-first” approach to artificial intelligence, encouraging students to engage with ideas independently, collaboratively and with emerging technologies before reflecting critically on the process. “He has opened new opportunities for me to learn, grow and feel prepared to explore real-world applications of industry-leading technology,” one student wrote. 

Across nominations, Geier was recognized for positioning the school at the forefront of innovation in AI-focused teaching and learning.  

Knudsen was praised for leading courses that emphasize real-world application, with students working on client-based projects for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and Chapel Hill Transit. Nominators noted that these experiences help students build professional skills in storytelling, strategy and production while preparing them for careers in communication.  

Colleagues and students also praised her commitment to mentorship, highlighting her willingness to support students beyond the classroom as they refine and complete projects. Her efforts have led to student work being recognized beyond the classroom and beyond the University, including awards from professional organizations. 

Knudsen was also recognized for revitalizing curriculum, including redesigning a video production course into a high-demand class that provides hands-on, industry-relevant experience. As one nominator noted, “She reinvigorated and redesigned MEJO 333… giving students experience that goes beyond documentary filmmaking and builds advanced skills.” 

Kenney was recognized for rebuilding The Durham Voice website in collaboration with colleagues, creating a modern platform that highlights local reporting while honoring the publication’s roots. His work has helped strengthen opportunities for students to engage in meaningful, real-world journalism.  

In the classroom, Kenney incorporates hands-on learning by connecting students with local leaders and community issues. In one example, he invited candidates from Durham City Council to speak with students, giving them the opportunity to conduct interviews and produce in-depth reporting.  

He also developed cross-course collaborations that mirror professional newsroom environments, allowing students to take on roles in reporting and editing. “He is a collaborative and innovative instructor,” one nominator wrote, “and his efforts and results in the classroom match the criteria for the Edward Vick Prize.” 

Congratulations to all the award recipients for their exceptional contributions to the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media.