- Department of Communication
- Why Communication?
- Excellence in Teaching
Excellence in Teaching
Our Commitment to Teaching Excellence
The Department of Communication is highly regarded within both NIU and the greater academic community for its commitment to teaching excellence. Our faculty are among the finest teachers on campus. Several department faculty have been recognized with the most prestigious teaching awards bestowed by the university.
Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Awards
| Name | Year |
|---|---|
| Joseph Scudder | 2003 |
| David Gunkel | 2006 |
| Betty H. La France | 2013 |
| Mary Lynn Henningsen | |
| Kate Cady | 2019 |
| Randy Caspersen | 2025 |
Excellence in Undergraduate Instruction Awards
| Name | Year |
|---|---|
| Matt Swan | 2012 |
| Kimberly Gatz | 2014 |
| Jason Akst | 2016 |
Distinguished Teaching Professors*
*Formerly Presidential Teaching Professorships
| Name | Year(s) |
|---|---|
| Jeffrey Chown | 2005-2009 |
| David Gunkel | 2009-2013 |
| Joseph Scudder | 2012-2016 |
| Laura Vazquez | 2020 |
Board of Trustees Professorships
| Name | Year |
|---|---|
| Jeffrey Chown | 2011 |
| Laura Vazquez | 2014 |
Contact Us
Department of Communication
Watson Hall 210
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-1563
815-753-7109 (Fax)
David Gunkel, Ph.D.
Acting Department Chair
dgunkel@niu.edu
Laura Vazquez, Ph.D.
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Watson Hall 213
815-753-7107
lvazquez@niu.edu
