2026 Grady College faculty and staff recognition

Several Grady College faculty and staff were recognized for outstanding service during the 2025-2026 academic year at an end-of-semester celebration on April 28.

Teachers of the Year are recognized by each department at Grady College and are annually selected by peers based on excellence in the classroom and student feedback.

Congratulations to the following faculty and staff:

Teachers of the Year

Joshua Cloudy, Advertising Teacher of the Year

Joshua Cloudy, an assistant professor, was recognized as the Teacher of the Year for Advertising. Cloudy teaches undergraduate and graduate advertising classes and studies the role of digital media in fueling and lessening intergroup conflict. Courses he has recently taught include Advertising and Society, as well as Advertising Communications. He is fan of collegiate basketball and is the commissioner of the office March Madness bracket each spring.

“Receiving this award is an honor, and I am extremely lucky to work with such great people in the AdPR department,” said Cloudy of this recognition. “Teaching is a collaborative effort, so I share this award with all my colleagues and mentors who helped me grow as a teacher and all my students who helped co-create an active and fun learning environment.”

Shira Chess, Entertainment and Media Studies Teacher of the Year

Shira Chess, associate professor, is the EMST Teacher of the Year. She teaches courses that focus on both understanding and creating digital and traditional media, including Writing for Entertainment Media and Digital Technology and Culture. She recently published her third book, “The Unseen Internet,” focusing on the evolution of the internet and belief systems.

“Dr. Chess is literally the best professor I have had in college,” a former student said in her nomination form. “She is so knowledgeable in her subject area and makes sure that nobody feels left behind when discussing confusing topics. I appreciate her humor and her joyful approach to teaching.”

Nick Chiles, Journalism Teacher of the Year

Nick Chiles (MFA ’22) is a clinical assistant professor who teaches writing courses including Editorial Writing, Feature Writing and Memoir Writing. Chiles is an award-winning journalist and an author of 23 books, including his most recent book, “The Black Family Who Built America.”

The nomination committee noted that Chiles emphasizes empathy and introspection, which goes a long way with his students.

“He brings a wealth of professional experience and knowledge to the classroom in a way that shows students more than just what matters, but also why it matters,” the nomination committee noted.

Ivanka Pjesivac, head of the Department of Journalism, said Chiles is a supportive colleague and a fascinating person.

“If you had a privilege of sitting with him during any of the college events, then you know that he would be the one at your table, asking the most interesting and most meaningful questions making everyone’s experiences and opinions heard, acknowledged and respected,” Pjesivac said.

Ruoyu Sun, Public Relations Teacher of the Year

Ruoyu Sun is an assistant professor of public relations and teaches public relations management and crisis communication courses including PR Ethics and Culture.  Her research specialization focuses on corporate communication, stakeholder engagement and relationship management.

“I’m deeply honored to receive this award,” said Sun. “I feel truly fortunate to teach Grady students, who are bright, motivated and hardworking. They make me look forward to walking into the classroom every day.”

Several other faculty and staff were recognized with awards at the end of the semester including:

Graduate Department Awards

Kyser Lough, Roland Page Award for Outstanding Graduate Faculty

Kyser Lough, associate professor and director of the News Literacy Certificate in the Deparmtent of Journalism, is the recipient of the Roland Page Award. This award is given to a member of the graduate faculty who had a major impact on their students, both inside and outside of the classroom. Each year, this award honors a Grady faculty member who exemplifies excellence in instruction. 

Anne Hurne, Joyce Burton Award for Staff Excellence

Anne Hurne, a student affairs professional in the Department of Graduate Students, is the recipient of the Joyce Burton Award. This award is given to a member of the Grady College staff who goes above and beyond. The award recognizes individuals whose work and dedication are essential to the continued success of Grady College. 

Grady College Awards

Stephanie Moreno, Community Impact and Engagement Award

Stephanie Moreno, director of scholastic outreach and recruitment, is the recipient of the Community Impact and Engagement Award.

This award recognizes a faculty member, staff member, and/or graduate student whose dedication and leadership foster a culture of academic excellence, expand opportunity and create a lasting impact through community.

Staff Awards

Barbara Bond, Vera Penn Award

Barbara Bond, the lead business manager for Grady College, is the recipient of the Vera Penn Award, which recognizes a Grady staff member who goes above and beyond for the Grady community. The award honors an individual who is dependable, professional and brings a positive attitude to everything they do. Above all, it honors someone who leads by example, supports those around them and represents Grady College at its best. 

“Barbara stands out because she is incredibly reliable and consistently gets the job done—no matter what’s on her plate,” said one of her nominators. “She’s always willing to take on additional tasks and can be counted on to follow through, even when things get busy or complicated…Barbara’s consistency, accountability and willingness to step in where needed are what make her a strong candidate for the Vera Penn.”

Other nominees for this award include Marcella Genut, Samantha Meyer, Stephanie Moreno and Chris Thompson.

Terri Baker, Darwin Davis Award

Terri Baker, a business manager, is the recipient of the Darwin Davis Award. This award, which was established in 2007, recognizes a Grady faculty or staff member whose dedication and friendship embody the spirit of Grady College.  

After retiring in 2020, Terri returned to assist the college during a critical period and quickly became an essential source of support for payroll operations, faculty and staff hiring, and graduate program needs.

“Her dependability, institutional knowledge and willingness to step in wherever needed have made a lasting impact on the College,” said Beth Allinger, administrative financial director for Grady College. “Terri consistently goes above and beyond to support the Grady community, and her care for others truly reflects the spirit of the Darwin Davis Award.”

Author: Sarah Freeman, freemans@uga.edu