Dr. Adrienne Wallace named a 2025 Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year
Dr. Adrienne Wallace. Photo courtesy of Michigan Association of State Universities.
submitted by Patrick Wallace
Dr. Adrienne Wallace of Grand Valley State University has been named one of three 2025 Michigan Distinguished Professors of the Year. She is a 1994 graduate of Manchester High School and daughter of Patrick and the late Elizabeth Wallace of Manchester.
Three Michigan professors were selected from Michigan’s 15 public universities. The awards were presented by the Academic Affairs Officers of the Michigan Association of State Universities (MASU) at the 2025 Distinguished Professor of the Year Awards program at the Lansing Center on Friday, April 11.
MASU states, “The Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year Award recognizes the outstanding contributions and dedication exhibited by the faculty from Michigan’s 15 public universities to the education of undergraduate students. Each university was invited to nominate a faculty member who has had a significant impact on undergraduate student learning through various activities, particularly classroom instruction, applied research, experiential learning, innovation, and mentoring.”
From MASU:
Dr. Adrienne A. Wallace is an Associate Professor and the Advertising/Public Relations Major Coordinator in the School of Communications at GVSU. Dr. Wallace has made remarkable contributions to undergraduate education, and her work, both in and out of the classroom, exemplifies the highest standards of teaching, scholarship, and service. She earned her bachelor’s degree and master’s degrees from GVSU, and her doctorate in public affairs, public policy, and administration from Western Michigan University.
Since joining GVSU on the tenure track in 2016, Dr. Wallace has consistently demonstrated an unwavering passion for student development. She not only excels in the classroom but also deeply invests in the success and growth of her students outside of it. Dr. Wallace advises numerous student organizations and has developed strong community partnerships that enhance student learning. Her mentorship has helped students achieve academically, professionally, and personally. Dr. Wallace’s teaching has earned her several prestigious awards, including the GVSU Student Life Jo Ann Litton Outstanding Advisor Award, the GVSU Alumni Association Outstanding Educator Award, and the GVSU Outstanding Academic Advising and Student Services Award. Her students affectionately refer to her as their “PR Mom.”
One of Dr. Wallace’s greatest strengths is her commitment to individualized and experiential learning. As the advisor for GrandPR, a student-powered public relations firm, she provides students with the unique opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a practical setting and learn essential industry skills. Her work on the annual CreateAthon, where students work on campaigns for nonprofits, highlights her commitment to hands-on learning. By developing service-learning projects and community partnerships, Dr. Wallace has ensured that her students receive practical exposure to the fields of advertising and public relations, while also honing their leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.
An accomplished scholar, Dr. Wallace has co-authored numerous books, articles, and chapters, plus she regularly presents at major academic conferences. She has authored, co-authored, and co-edited significant collections on social media and contemporary public relations. Her publications have earned national recognition, including the 2024 National Communications Association (NCA) PRIDE Outstanding Book of the Year Award. She received the 2022 NCA SPARK Innovation in Teaching Award, a testament to her ability to push the boundaries of traditional teaching methods.
Dr. Wallace also serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Public Relations Education (JPRE), Vice Head of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) Internships & Careers Interest Group, and Chair of the Professional Freedom & Responsibility Committee for the Public Relations Division of AEJMC. She is the past-president of the West Michigan chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (WMPRSA) and serves as the research committee Co-Chair of the Commission on Public Relations Education (CPRE). Through these roles, she has made significant contributions to the field of public relations.
“Dr. Wallace’s leadership capacity, professional development, and extensive contributions to undergraduate education make her a tremendous asset to GVSU,” said Dr. Jennifer Drake, Acting Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Her innovative teaching methods, exceptional scholarship, and commitment to student success demonstrate her dedication to excellence in education. I have no doubt that Dr. Wallace will continue to inspire and lead in meaningful ways.”
The other two 2025 recipients are Dr. Jaclyn Johnson of Michigan Technological University and Dr. Natalie Sampson of the University of Michigan — Dearborn.
“The recipients of this year’s Distinguished Professor of the Year Award exemplify the unwavering dedication to undergraduate education that defines Michigan’s public universities,” said MASU Chief Executive Officer Dr. Daniel Hurley. “Their innovative teaching methods, commitment to student success, and contributions to both their disciplines and communities set them apart as true leaders in higher education. These professors not only shape minds in the classroom but also inspire personal and professional growth that extends far beyond campus.”
Congratulations, Dr. Adrienne A. Wallace!
The Michigan Association of State Universities serves as the coordinating board for Michigan’s 15 public universities, providing advocacy and fostering policy to maximize the collective value these institutions provide in serving the public interest and the State of Michigan.
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