2022 Teaching Excellence Award

Instructor of Practice of Communication Studies

Tracey Sturgal’s guiding principles of “assume positive intent” and “lead with love” are evident in all her interactions with students and colleagues. A member of the Department of Communication Studies since 2006, Sturgal has connected with students in small courses, large lectures and advanced capstones through assignments based on students’ lives and real-world applications.

“Her creative approaches are intentionally designed to help students bring new lenses to the content,” said Dr. Sarah Feldner, dean of the Diederich College of Communication. “In many of her assignments, she draws attention to students’ habits and worldviews to allow them to question how this impacts their communication choices. Ultimately, her connection of content to students’ lives and experiences allows her to seamlessly blend theory and practice.”

Sturgal leads the MIC Speakers Lab, one of the Diederich College of Communication’s signature initiatives. The MIC helps in all aspects of presentation development, from brainstorming ideas and organizing content to practicing effective delivery and creating visuals.

“I’m grateful for my colleagues and students who always inspire me,” Sturgal said. “I value teamwork, hard work and kindness, and am lucky enough to work with colleagues in the Diederich College of Communication and university-wide who also value these tenets, helping me strive for excellence with each passing semester. Of course, I would not be where I am without students who bring these qualities to my classes each week. I educate from a position of trust and optimism with a keen focus on cura personalis and social justice in all of my courses. I’m grateful for my students who help push these crucial conversations forward no matter the subject matter.”