School of Communications honors outstanding faculty and staff

As part of its end-of-the-year awards ceremony, the School of Communications honored several faculty and staff members for their exceptional work throughout the 2024-2025 academic year. The celebration, held April 10 at Turner Theatre, began with recognition of nearly four dozen students before spotlighting five outstanding faculty and staff members for their impact on the school’s student body, student organizations and community.

The following summaries highlight the honored faculty and staff, listed in presentation order. Ceremony photos are available on the school’s Flickr page.

Outstanding Staff Member Award

Abby Igoe, Assistant Director of Multimedia Projects and Turner Theatre Manager

The award recognizes a staff member of the School of Communications who contributes to the betterment and reputation of the school and its initiatives.

During his introduction of the staff award, Gaither applauded Igoe, recognizing her as a quiet yet powerful force in the School of Communications.

“Abby’s title is ‘assistant director of multimedia projects and Turner Theatre manager,’ but she does so much more than manage the place where we now find ourselves,” he said. “She is the school’s pro for coloring in the postproduction process. She is skilled in advanced cinema camera operation. She produces content. She tells stories across platforms. She mentors students. And she is also a teacher.”

While highlighting Igoe as a versatile storyteller, Gaither also touted her as a respected mentor, serving as the adviser to WSOE, where students admire her for her charisma, professionalism and support.

One student noted how Igoe creates an inclusive and safe space, building lasting relationships with those she mentors. A colleague commended her for going above and beyond – offering help on weekends, guiding students in the moment, and traveling to conferences.

Gaither shared more praise, noting that Igoe’s supervisor, Bryan Baker, commended her innovative storytelling and ability to keep Elon’s video branding compelling.

“She has developed a storytelling style that demonstrates elegance and rhythm, and explores new ideas, keeping our video branding fresh with industry trends,” said Gaither, quoting Baker.

Excellence in Scholarship Award

Bill Anderson, Associate Professor of Strategic Communications

This award recognizes a faculty member whose scholarly and creative work is of high quality and brings distinction to Elon.

In recognition of his prolific and high-impact contributions to academic research in the fields of public relations, advertising, and communication history, Anderson was named the school’s 2025 recipient of the Excellence in Scholarship Award. And, as Gaither noted in his award presentation, Anderson’s scholarship continues to grow in depth and reach.

“Dr. Anderson’s research stream has gone from a steady flow to raging river,” Gaither said. “His scholarship pushes boundaries, challenging accepted norms and extending critical theories. He nimbly balances quantitative and qualitative research.”

Anderson’s work has been published in some of the most respected journals in the field, including the Journal of Public Relations Research and Public Relations Review.

Much of Anderson’s research is historical in focus, uncovering the stories behind campaigns and public relations efforts that remain relevant today. His latest work, accepted by Public Relations Inquiry, explores the erasure and exclusion embedded in a 1970s public relations campaign once billed as “for everybody.” In it, Anderson applies the cultural-economic model to interrogate whose stories get told – and whose get left behind.

Additionally, Anderson was commended for integrating his research into the classroom experience, where he incorporates his acerbic wit and self-deprecation that make him “a student favorite and valued colleague,” Gaither noted.

“Like all great instructors, Anderson marries his scholarship with his teaching,” Gaither added. “His research methods and campaign courses are influenced by both his professional background and research credentials that include book chapters, conference presentations and publications.”

Inclusive Excellence Award

Cara Lucia, Associate Professor of Sport Management

The award recognizes a faculty member who provides exceptional leadership in diversity, equity and inclusion and enhances DEI initiatives across the school through action-oriented outcomes.

In his presentation of the Inclusive Excellence Award, Gaither praised Lucia for her advancement of diversity, inclusion and belonging through her teaching, research, leadership and service.

“Inclusive Excellence is not something Dr. Lucia does; in many ways, it embodies who she is,” Gaither said.

When reflecting on her name, Gaither noted that Cara translates to “friend” and Lucia to “light,” which perfectly describes the associate professor of sport management.

“Her name is fitting considering the light she has provided across spheres of influence for inclusive excellence, from her teaching to research to student relationships,” Gaither said.

Her past leadership roles – including as former chair of the Sport Management Department and president of NIRSA, the National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association – have all been marked by an intentional focus on inclusive excellence. Additionally, Lucia has published widely and presented nationally on topics surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion in sport.

“Dr. Lucia’s research at the confluence of DEI, allyship and social justice also extends into community service and her teaching,” Gaither said. “She thoughtfully leads students into the difficult conversations they need to better prepare them as global citizens.”

Excellence in Leadership Award

Harlen Makemson, Professor of Communication Design

The award recognizes a member of the School of Communications who richly contributes to the betterment and reputation of the school and the discipline.

In his introduction, Gaither commended Makemson for his long-standing dedication to student mentorship, pointing to the professor’s outstanding stewardship of the school’s Elon Journal of Undergraduate Research in Communications. In his role as editor, Makemson has upheld the journal’s mission to highlight and elevate the very best undergraduate research produced at Elon, helping demonstrate the rigor and excellence of the school’s academic experience.

“Under Dr. Makemson’s guidance, rough student entries are carefully polished, transformed from a promising idea to a finished product worthy of publication,” Gaither said. “He is more than just an editor. He is an exemplary teacher-scholar-mentor.”

Makemson’s role extends far beyond publication. A respected scholar in his own right, he regularly mentors Honors students and challenges them to ask meaningful research questions and pursue thoughtful, methodologically sound answers. His impact is evident — at a recent academic conference for graduate students and faculty, one of his undergraduate mentees presented research that many attendees mistook for graduate-level work.

“Even though this award is for leadership, his mentoring of our students is one of the best services Elon can provide,” Gaither said. “He is always there for students and always about helping them have the best possible experience.”

Excellence in Teaching Award

Youssef Osman, Assistant Professor of Cinema and Television Arts

The award recognizes a faculty member who is outstanding in the classroom, current in the discipline, a quality academic adviser, and committed to student learning at the highest level.

During his award remarks, Gaither shared insights from current students, graduates and colleagues all praising Osman, noting how the assistant professor brings care, curiosity and craft to everything he does. And he teaches a lot – having led more than dozen courses at Elon.

“Many CTA alumni who have gone on to Hollywood or the film industry credit Professor Osman for guiding them while at Elon,” Gaither said. “To a person, they credit his belief in them and their abilities as the launchpad for their careers.”

That belief has translated into powerful results. Under Osman’s mentorship, Elon students have created award-winning work showcased at film festivals across the country. As faculty adviser to Cinelon, the student-run film production company, he offers students real-world production experience and helps them find their voice as filmmakers.

“In the classroom, theaters or hallways of the school, he is a steadying presence whose critical eye for cinema ranges from the practical to the artistic to the scientific,” Gaither said.

Throughout his 13-year tenure Elon, Osman has made a lasting impact through his outstanding teaching, thoughtful mentorship, and innovative curriculum design, explained Staci Saltz, chair of the Department of Cinema and Television Arts. “He creates hands-on, real-world learning experiences that help students grow as storytellers and bring their creative visions to life,” she said.

Some of Osman’s most staunch supporters are his students. “He’s my GOAT,” Gaither shared on behalf of a student. Another student reflected on Osman’s Narrative Aesthetics course: “Professor Osman’s style of teaching was really great for me. His lectures were engaging, informative, well prepared, and encouraged me to think critically about the material.”