Kristy Tucciarone, associate teaching professor of media studies at UMSL, was named the 2012-2013 American Advertising Federation District 9 Faculty Advisor of the Year during an event in Kansas City, Mo., on April 19. (Photo by Myra Lopez)

Kristy Tucciarone, associate teaching professor of media studies at the University of Missouri­–St. Louis, has been recognized for her student leadership efforts.

She was recently named the 2012-2013 American Advertising Federation District 9 Faculty Advisor of the Year. The category included advertising scholars from universities in Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas.

“It’s a big honor to have your institution recognized, and it’s nice to be acknowledged for my hard work and dedication to my students,” she said.

It was also a special moment for her students.

“All 10 of them levitated off of their seats,” Tucciarone said of the moment her name was called.

Each fall, the American Advertising Federation gives students the opportunity to take part in a case study. They have to develop a campaign for the client. This year the client was Glidden Paint. Tucciarone was given the award for her “consistent communication” and “feedback,” during the process, according to a letter from Kathleen Riessen, AAF District 9 Governor.

“It is obvious in encounters with the UMSL team that (Kristy) is leaving a positive lasting impression on them,” Riessen wrote.

In addition, she described Tucciarone as a wonderful advocate for her students and a great peer to the other professors in her district.

Tucciarone said it’s a thrill to be acknowledged not only at the local level but also at the district level.

“That’s the biggest ‘wow’ for me,” she said.

Tucciarone has been with UMSL since 1999. In addition to teaching, she serves as the advising coordinator of media studies, manages the certificate in advertising, and advises the student organization Ad Core, a student chapter of the American Advertising Federation, which is UMSL’s advertising club.