Roxanne Dill awarded George H. Deer Distinguished Teaching Award

LSU Manship School of Mass Communication Instructor Roxanne K. Dill was awarded the George H. Deer Distinguished Teaching Award during LSU University College’s annual “Celebration of Excellence” Spring Awards program.

This award is made in memory of George H. Deer, former dean of University College (1959-1966) and a distinguished member of the faculty of the College of Human Sciences & Education for more than 25 years (1940-1966). The purpose of the George H. Deer Distinguished Teaching Award is to recognize outstanding teaching at the freshman level at LSU.

“Roxanne Dill is the rare faculty member with deep professional experience from the olden days when print journalism was king and a dedication to teaching our students the latest in the technology that has revolutionized our profession,” said Jerry Ceppos, dean of LSU Manship School of Mass Communication. “It is rare for an instructor to exert a huge influence on any program at LSU. She exerts that influence and because of her passion, has encouraged hundreds of students to improve our country by becoming tough reporters and editors.”

Dill earned her master’s degree in mass communication and bachelor’s degree in journalism/news writing from LSU.

As an instructor in mass communication, Dill teaches multiple courses in media writing every semester, as well as oversees all courses in media writing, an instrumental course for all students seeking a mass communication degree. In addition to her instruction, Dill is the area head for the journalism concentration. She is actively engaged in the annual Teachapalooza program at the Poynter Institute, a global journalism think tank located in Florida. Dill serves as the rector for the Mass Communication Residential College, or MCRC. She maintains weekly office hours, plans various events such as branding and resume workshops that connect the MCRC students to the field of mass communication, and helps to ensure connectivity.

Dill also serves as an advisor for the Manship Ambassadors. In this role, she organizes retreats, trains Ambassadors for effective tours of the Manship facilities, and manages several student committees.

Among Dill’s many accomplishments, she has received the following awards: 2014 Tiger Athletic Foundation Teaching Award, Manship School of Mass Communication; 2012 Association of Educators in Journalism and Mass Communication; Second Place, Best Practices in Teaching Writing competition, “Teaching Writing Across Platforms”; 2011 LSU University College’s Tiger Athletic Foundation Teaching Award; 2011 nominee, LSU University College’s George H. Deer Distinguished Teaching Award; and 2010 Tiger Athletic Foundation Teaching Award, Manship School of Mass Communication.

Dill is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, and the American Copy Editors Society. She serves as vice chairman of the Board of Directors for The Medical Centers of West Africa Inc. and past-president and board member of the Board of Directors for the LSU Faculty Club Inc.

“Roxanne is kind, thoughtful and hard working. She is the kind of person who takes on more than her fair share, and does a fantastic job with it all,” said Kasey Windels, associate professor, Manship School of Mass Communication. “She anticipates others’ needs, motivates people in ways that give them agency and effectively manages the many students and groups for which she is involved. She really is a gem.”

“University College is pleased to have generous donors that allow us to acknowledge some of LSU’s outstanding undergraduate faculty with teaching awards,” said R. Paul Ivey, executive director of LSU University College. “Our ‘Celebration of Excellence’ ceremony allows us the opportunity to publicly recognize these deserving faculty.”

University College salutes all of these deserving individuals and expresses our gratitude to donors for their continued support.

University College awarded $80,000 through 65 undergraduate student scholarships, five LSU faculty teaching awards, two graduate teaching assistant awards and one LSU Advisor of the Year Award on Thursday, March 23, at The Club on Union Square.

University College Teaching Award Selection Committee included Marybeth Lima, chair; Marvin Borgmeyer; Sarah Clayton; Jamie Granier; Gregory D. Inman; Beverly Brooks Thompson; and Anna C. Sightler.

Since 1933, LSU University College has served as the portal of entry for students enrolled at LSU.  Academic and personal success is the hallmark of a well-rounded student, and University College provides a foundation of support services for students beginning their academic careers at LSU. University College has two enrollment divisions: The Center for Freshman Year and The Center for Advising and Counseling. Additionally, University College offers retention-specific programs: Student Support Services, Ronald E. McNair Research Scholars and Summer Scholars. These academic support programs focus on particular student populations and are a significant part of the role and mission of University College.