Adrienne Wallace, associate professor of advertising and public relations, is one of three recipients of the 2025 Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year Award.
The awards are presented annually by the Michigan Association of State Universities to recognize outstanding contributions and dedication to the education of undergraduate students exhibited by the faculty from Michigan’s 15 public universities. This year’s other award recipients are Jaclyn Johnson of Michigan Technological University and Natalie Sampson of the University of Michigan – Dearborn.
“Dr. Wallace’s leadership capacity, professional development and extensive contributions to undergraduate education make her a tremendous asset to GVSU,” said 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.”
As the advertising and public relations major coordinator and advisor of numerous student organizations, Wallace’s mentorship has helped students achieve academically, professionally and personally. Her commitment to experiential learning is evident through endeavors like CreateAthon, an annual event for the student-powered public relations firm GrandPR , which Wallace advises, to work on campaigns for nonprofits.
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.
Wallace earned her bachelor’s and master's degrees from GVSU and her doctorate in public affairs, public policy, and administration from Western Michigan University. She has made significant contributions to the field of public relations and has co-authored numerous books, articles and chapters that have earned national recognition, including the 2024 National Communications Association PRIDE Outstanding Book of the Year Award. She is the research committee co-chair of the Commission on Public Relations Education, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Public Relations Education, vice head of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication Internships and Careers Interest Group and Public Relations Division Professional Freedom & Responsibility Group.
