Professor receives statewide award

PeopleEducation

Apr 17

Dr. Adrienne Wallace of Grand Valley State University (GVSU) has been named one of three recipients of the 2025 Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year Award, which honors faculty from the state’s 15 public universities for their leadership in their field and commitment to student success. The awards were presented by the Academic Affairs Officers of the Michigan Association of State Universities at a ceremony held on April 11 at the Lansing Center.

Dr. Jaclyn Johnson of Michigan Technological University and Dr. Natalie Sampson of the University of Michigan–Dearborn were also honorees.

“The recipients of this year’s Distinguished Professor of the Year Award exemplify the unwavering dedication to undergraduate education that defines Michigan’s public universities,” said Dr. Daniel Hurley, Chief Executive Officer, Michigan Association of State Universities. “Their innovative teaching methods, commitment to student success and contributions to both their disciplines and communities set them apart as true leaders in higher education. These professors not only shape minds in the classroom but also inspire personal and professional growth that extends far beyond campus.”

Wallace is an Associate Professor and the Advertising/Public Relations Major Coordinator in the School of Communications at GVSU. Since joining GVSU on the tenure track in 2016, she has consistently demonstrated an unwavering passion for student development. Wallace advises numerous student organizations and has developed strong community partnerships that enhance student learning.

As the advisor for GrandPR, a student-powered public relations firm, Wallace provides students with the unique opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a practical setting and learn essential industry skills. Her work on the annual CreateAthon, where students work on campaigns for nonprofits, highlights her commitment to hands-on learning.

Wallace has co-authored numerous books, articles, and chapters, and regularly presents at major academic conferences. Her work has earned national recognition, including the 2024 NCA PRIDE Outstanding Book of the Year and the 2022 SPARK Innovation in Teaching Award. She also serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Public Relations Education, Vice Head of Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication’s Internships & Careers Interest Group, and Chair of its Public Relations Division’s Professional Freedom & Responsibility Committee. A past president of WMPRSA, she is also Co-Chair of the Consortium for Policy Research in Education Research Committee.

“Dr. Wallace’s leadership capacity, professional development, and extensive contributions to undergraduate education make her a tremendous asset to GVSU,” said Dr. Jennifer Drake, Acting Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, GVSU. Her innovative teaching methods, exceptional scholarship and commitment to student success demonstrate her dedication to excellence in education. I have no doubt that Dr. Wallace will continue to inspire and lead in meaningful ways.”