Ann Christiano is feeling the love from her students.
Christiano, a public relations professor, is UF’s 2014-15 Teacher of the Year.
The Frank and Betsy Karel Endowed Chair in Public Interest Communications applied for the award at the College of Journalism and Communications and, upon being selected, was evaluated against nominees from UF’s other colleges. Part of the process included recommendations from students.
“It was wonderful,” Christiano said. “Even if I hadn’t won, the letters that my students wrote — that was enough.”
UF professors Mike Foley and Norman Lewis, both of the College of Journalism and Communications, were among the first colleagues she shared the news with when she found out a few weeks ago.
She said she didn’t know how to teach when she first came to UF, and they gave her a lot of guidance.
Lewis said Christiano is a gifted and natural teacher on her own.
“There’s probably nobody who brings more passion and compassion to the job,” Lewis said. “To share that moment with her was very remarkable.”
Christiano also started the frank gathering. The annual conference, held the last two years, aims to bring speakers and participants together to talk about public interest communications. About 200 students participated this year, Christiano said.
While Lewis said Christiano has many students who help her, it is she who inspires them.
Lauren Maloney, a 19-year-old UF public relations sophomore, said Christiano is the teacher most deserving of the award.
“She’s definitely someone that connects other people to promote the greater good,” Maloney said.
UF President Kent Fuchs presented Christiano with her award April 6 at UF’s annual Faculty Awards. Christiano said the presentation was moving.
“When you come here and you walk into the classroom, all you have is who you are, and that’s really humbling,” Christiano said. “But if you’re willing to let that show, I think the students appreciate it.”
[A version of this story ran on page 3 on 4/13/2015 under the headline “UF names teacher of year"]
Ann Christiano, a public relations professor, is UF’s 2014-15 Teacher of the Year.
