Florida State University (FSU) recognized several College of Communication & Information (CCI) faculty members through its annual University Teaching Awards at the Faculty Awards Celebration on April 21, 2026. The event highlighted excellence across a range of disciplines and teaching approaches. The awards emphasize student-centered learning and are based on nominations submitted by students and alumni, reflecting the direct impact faculty have in the classroom.
“Exceptional teaching is at the heart of everything we do,” said Michelle Kazmer, dean of the College of Communication & Information. “These awards reflect our faculty’s deep commitment to student-centered learning, innovation inside and outside the classroom, and mentorship that extends well beyond graduation. We are incredibly proud of this year’s honorees and the lasting difference they make in our students’ lives and in the world.”
This year’s awards recognize faculty from across CCI’s schools and programs.
Among this year’s honorees, April Powell earned the University Teaching Award for Excellence in Online Teaching. A teaching faculty member in the School of Communication Science and Disorders (SCSD), Powell taught an online course, Anatomy and Physiology: Speech, Language, and Hearing. The class was recently certified as high-quality through FSU’s Online Quality Initiative.
Drs. Elizabeth B. Madden and Mia Lustria were both recognized with the University Teaching Award for Student-Centered Teaching and Mentoring. Madden, an assistant professor in SCSD, focuses on aphasia and neurogenic communication disorders, having previously received both university-level and departmental teaching awards. Lustria, part of the School of Information (iSchool), specializes in health informatics and health communication while also holding a leadership role in the Ph.D. in Information program.
CCI Associate Dean of Finance and Administration Ebrahim Randeree, who teaches in the iSchool, received the University Teaching Award for Outstanding Teaching in the Major. Randeree’s teaching interests include emerging technology and social media, strategic management and leadership, and health informatics.
Dr. Sana Tibi was honored with the University Teaching Award for Outstanding Teaching in the Major. Since joining SCSD in 2016, her teaching interests have centered around literacy development and disorders, dyslexia, reading assessment, language development, and introduction to communication disorders.
Two faculty members received the University Teaching Award for Outstanding Graduate Teaching: Drs. Elizabeth Ray and Jaejin Lee. Ray is an assistant professor with a background in integrated marketing communication. She brings industry experience as a former television news reporter and communications director. Lee, who joined FSU as a faculty member in 2012 and became a full professor in 2025, teaches courses focused on media consumer behavior, creative strategy, and the foundation of integrated marketing communication.
Additionally, Dr. Zhe He received the Graduate Faculty Mentor Award from the iSchool. A professor and director of the Institute for Successful Longevity, He’s teaching and research focus includes health informatics, data mining, machine learning, and database management systems.