Dean Ed Adams Announced College and University Award Recipients in the College of Fine Arts and Communications During the 2024 Annual University Conference
The College of Fine Arts and Communications recognizes outstanding faculty who have been honored with University and College awards during the annual 2024 University Conference.
These six faculty exemplify the aims and mission of BYU and have worked diligently to uplift students and contribute to campus.
University Awards
Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award | Shelley Graham | Department of Theatre and Media Arts
The Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award recognizes Shelley Graham for her excellence in adjunct teaching over at least five years. Shelley is a nationally renowned educator in the field of dramaturgy. As dramaturgy supervisor at BYU, Shelley consistently works to self-evaluate and improve her own practice. She actively seeks out experiential learning activities for her students and has some of the highest student ratings in the Department of Theatre and Media Arts.
Alumni Professorship Award | Brad Barber | Department of Theatre and Media Arts
The Alumni Professorship Award recognizes Brad Barber’s exceptional service to BYU through his sustained, long-term commitment to student mentoring outside of the classroom. Barber is an Emmy-nominated documentary filmmaker who was named in Variety Magazine’s “10 Documakers to Watch” list. He exceeds expectations for the quality of the mentorship he offers students and the awards his projects have received. His mentorship integrates modeling and partnering, providing students with unparalleled opportunities to work with top professionals in the industry.
College Awards
Excellence in Teaching Award | Jennifer Watson | Department of Art
The Excellence in Teaching Award represents Jen Watson’s “unstinting efforts to enrich and enliven the experience of students” at BYU. Watson creates a positive learning environment that supports student success while maintaining high standards of achievement. She is a gifted mentor and provides students and colleagues with a Christlike example of how to treat others.
Excellence in Scholarship/Creative Works Award | Douglas Thomas | Department of Design
Doug Thomas is a nationally and internationally recognized scholar in design. His work explores the connection between typography, design and culture in user experience design, publication design and branding. Thomas challenges his students and shapes them into better thinkers, writers and designers through his example of academic rigor.
Excellence in Citizenship Award | Ed Carter | School of Communications
The Excellence in Citizenship Award recognizes Carter’s service and personal dedication to the College of Fine Arts and Communications and to the university. He has served as an associate dean for the College of Fine Arts and Communications, as associate director and director of the School of Communications, as well as on many university committees. He continues to produce research, receive Fulbright Scholar grants and mentor students. He has made lasting changes to the School of Communications, the college and BYU through his citizenship service.
Excellence in Mentoring Award | Andrew Crane | School of Music
Crane was awarded the Excellence in Mentoring Award for his commitment to students and their learning both in and out of the classroom. Thanks to Crane’s mentorship, the University Singers are considered an elite, collegiate-level choir nationally and internationally and have been recognized by experts around the world. His deep influence and broad reputation involves students in world-class artistic endeavors all through an atmosphere of service and missionary work that accelerates student growth, strengthens choral art and expands the positive reputation of BYU and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.