ATHENS, Ohio -- All too often, the time and effort a mentor puts into a young professional goes unnoticed. However, Joseph Richie, assistant professor of telecommunications, has been singled out for his efforts to help others succeed and presented the 2001 L.J. Hortin Faculty Mentor Award.
"Overall, Joe Richie brings a level of caring to his teaching and advising that is unparalleled. His guidance has proved invaluable throughout my life," said Greg Guy (BSC '97, MA '99), who nominated Richie for the award. "He is a shining example of the concept that teaching is more than just lectures and tests." Guy, a former advisee of Richie's, is now vice president of Patrick Communications.
The award is given annually to a current or former faculty member who exhibits a commitment to the professional and personal growth of students. The selection process is based on faculty members' continual efforts to go beyond the normal mentoring role, their ongoing relationship with the nominator, and their impact on his or her career. Guy said Richie provided him with connections and resources he needed in his job search after Guy finished his master's degree. Nominations for the L.J. Hortin Faculty Mentor Award are made by alumni and reviewed by the College of Communication Society of Alumni and Friends.
Richie was shocked when he learned that he received the award. Dean Kathy Krendl read Guy's nomination letter during a college-wide faculty meeting. "I had no idea," Richie said. "You've got so many outstanding people in the room." The true payoff, he said, is to see where former students like Guy have ended up in their careers.
Richie has been teaching at Ohio University for almost 17 years. This year has been his first year back to full-time teaching after stepping down as associate director of the School of Telecommunication. "I was losing that personal touch, which for me is a big part of teaching," Richie said.
This spring holds some exciting new projects for Richie. He plans to continue working on a book about broadcast, cable and Web sports, which he hopes to complete by December 2002. He is also getting back to teaching classes that he hasn't taught in nearly 13 years.
After Richie finishes his book, he hopes to get back into production work and creative projects. The award gives Richie the choice to accept a cash award or use the money for scholarly endeavors. Richie said he would do the latter.
Created and supported by Tom Kuby (BSJ '55), the L. J. Hortin Faculty Mentor Award was established in 2000 to honor Kuby's mentor, Loren Joseph Hortin, professor of journalism at Ohio University from 1947 to 1967.
