Kristy Tucciarone, assistant professor of media studies, was presented the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award by Glen Cope, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs.

University of Missouri–St. Louis Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Glen Cope surprised Kristy Tucciarone last week when she presented the assistant teaching professor of media studies with the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award.

The award highlights the achievements of teachers who play a vital role in shaping students’ lives.

Tucciarone, a resident of Des Peres, Mo., teaches the advertising curriculum and advises the student organization Ad Corps, a student chapter of the American Advertising Federation, which is UMSL’s advertising club. She has been with UMSL since 1999.

“I am very blessed to be named the recipient of the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award, because its speaks to my passion for the students’ success in the classroom and beyond, desire to grow the campus and the curriculum, and commitment to connect to our community,” she said. “It truly is my honor to say I am an educator who continually raises the bar for students who crave to meet new challenges. I remind myself of my educational duty in the words of William Arthur Ward, ‘The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.’ My goal is to always be the great teacher who inspires.”

Tucciarone’s research focuses on the portrayals of higher education in film, portrayals of advertising in film and television and advertising effects on search and college choice.

Thomas McPhail, chair of the Department of Theatre, Dance, and Media Studies, recently wrote that Tucciarone helped to grow enrollment, created a new certificate program and mentors students who continue to win local, district and national honors.