Dr. Adam Kuban, professor in Ball State University’s School of Journalism and Strategic Communication, has been named Teacher of the Year by the Scripps Howard Fund as part of the 73rd Scripps Howard Journalism Awards.
Dr. Kuban received The Scripps Howard Journalism Awards Journalism & Mass Communication Teacher of the Year, a national honor recognizing excellence in journalism education. The Scripps Howard Journalism Awards, presented by the Scripps Howard Fund and The E.W. Scripps Company, recognize outstanding journalism across 12 categories and are among the nation’s top journalism competitions. This year’s winners and finalists were selected from more than 600 entries by a panel of veteran journalists and media leaders.
Dr. Kuban is the second Ball State faculty member to receive the Journalism & Mass Communication Teacher of the Year award, joining Dr. Jennifer Palilonis, George and Frances Ball Distinguished Professor of Multimedia Journalism, who received the distinction in 2012.
At Ball State, Dr. Kuban is known for leading media-based, community-engaged projects that give students opportunities to produce journalism and storytelling work for real audiences and community partners. His projects have included books, magazines, websites, apps, and documentaries, often focused on science- or sports-related issues.
“It’s a privilege to be recognized by the Scripps Howard Fund with the Journalism & Mass Communication Teacher of the Year Award, especially as it comes from a national organization that stands for the highest standards in journalism,” Dr. Kuban said. “Receiving this award is a humbling experience for me, knowing how many dedicated educators work tirelessly and passionately to support their students. My goals have always been to equip my students with the knowledge and tools to seek and report the truth, and I want them to be able to think deeply about the world and their role as professionals within it. I feel incredibly grateful to the mentors and colleagues who've shaped me and fortunate to help prepare the next generation.”
Dr. Kuban has been a member of Ball State’s faculty since 2011 and has taught more than 2,200 students during his career at the University. His commitment to students has earned teaching awards from Ball State, Iowa State University, and The University of Utah. He received Ball State’s Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award in 2021 and has also been recognized for immersive learning, community engagement, and student success.
In the community, Dr. Kuban has been a high school tennis coach since 2019: first as an assistant at Hamilton Southeastern High School in Fishers and currently as the head coach for the boys’ team at Yorktown High School since 2023.
In his nomination letter, Dr. Johnny Sparks, director of Ball State’s School of Journalism and Strategic Communication, noted Dr. Kuban’s record of connecting classroom learning with real-world journalism projects, often in partnership with nonprofit organizations and community groups.
“Dr. Kuban’s work reflects the best of what we want for students in CCIM: rigorous teaching, meaningful mentorship, and opportunities to apply what they are learning in ways that serve communities,” said Dr. Kirsten McCauliff, dean of the College of Communication, Information, and Media (CCIM). “This national recognition is a testament to his commitment to students and to the role journalism education plays in preparing thoughtful, ethical, and engaged professionals.”
Dr. Kuban is the co-creator of Water Quality Indiana, an interdisciplinary program that brings together science and journalism students to explore local, regional, and global water issues. Through that program, he led a student documentary project that earned two regional Emmy nominations and four Aurora GOLD Awards. His students’ work has also been connected to projects with organizations such as USA Volleyball, The Facing Project, and community partners in Indiana and beyond.
Casey Smith, a 2018 Ball State graduate, former student of Dr. Kuban’s, and current part-time instructor in the School of Journalism and Strategic Communication, said Dr. Kuban’s influence has continued beyond her time as a student.
“Dr. Kuban is the kind of professor who shapes the trajectory of his students’ careers,” Ms. Smith said. “He's committed to creating opportunities for students to do impactful, real-world reporting while instilling the values of curiosity, accountability, and public service. I was fortunate to learn from him for over four years, and his influence continues to shape my work today. This honor from the Scripps Howard Fund is incredibly well deserved.”
Dr. Kuban earned his Ph.D. in communication from The University of Utah, his master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from Iowa State University, and his bachelor’s degree in meteorology and journalism/mass communication from Iowa State University.
Ball State University’s College of Communication, Information, and Media offers programs in communication studies, journalism and strategic communication, media, and information and communication sciences. Through immersive learning, hands-on production, faculty mentorship, student media, Ball State Public Media, esports, speech and debate, and more, CCIM prepares students for fulfilling careers in communication, media, journalism, public relations, data analytics, and emerging technologies. For more information, visit CCIM’s website, email ccimdeansofc@bsu.edu, or call 765-285-6000.