special persons

Teachers of the Year
James Babanikos named
UF research professor, too

	James Babanikos with wife, Serya and daughter Ayla Maria (Photo by Edward Wells)

Dr. James Babanikos has been honored twice this year. He has been named a University of Florida Research Foundation Professor and co-winner of the 2001 Teacher of the Year Award from the College of Journalism and Communications.

In addition to teaching, Babanikos is a writer/director/producer of dramatic films, television documentaries and corporate videos. In the past six years, he has produced two programs in each of the three categories. The six projects have won a total of 17 national awards, from venues such as the Worldfest International Film Festival, the National Educational Telecommunication Association, the International Radio and Television Society, the Broadcast Education Association, the Festival of Nations Film Festival (in Austria), the Telly Awards competition, and others. His current project deals with the homeless in society, and it features an innovative approach which incorporates a number of documentary sequences within a narrative framework. A detailed treatment has been written, and some of the documentary sequences have already been shot.

As the Research professor, Babanikos will receive a salary supplement of $5,000 a year for three years. He also will draw on a $3,000 expense allowance.

	James Babanikos

He is the third faculty member in the College to be so honored, following Dr. Debbie Treise, ADV 1974, associate professor of advertising, and Dr. Linda Childers Hon, MA 1986, associate professor of public relations.

Babanikos also won the Teaching award in 1997. “Our most important mission is teaching,” Babanikos said. “And in this field, you can’t be effective as a teacher unless you’re involved in doing what you teach. In my case, it’s writing and producing films and videos.”

Advertising prof Lisa Duke
garners honor in third year

	Lisa Duke with son Nathan and Tiger

Teaching award co-winner Dr. Lisa Duke is a Ph.D. graduate of the University of Georgia now in her fourth year on the faculty.

Birthplace? Charleston, S.C.

Undergraduate school/major? South Carolina/journalism

Professional experience? 10 years as an ad agency copywriter

Years on UF faculty? 3

Courses taught most often: Copywriting and Visualization, Direct Response Advertising

Why you decided to become a teacher? "To indulge my passion for learning"

Favorite hobby: "The pursuit of tenure!"

Best teacher you ever had and why so? "My mom-because she teaches by example, with love"

How have you changed as a teacher over the years? "I don't perspire as much on the first day of class"

Most unforgettable student and why? "The one who turned in the portfolio that filled me with creative envy. You know who you are."

Last movie attended? Shrek ("Hey, I have a 5-year-old son")

Professional in your field you admire most and why? "Byron West. He's a writer at my old agency. A genuinely talented, quietly competent, witty, self-effacing guy--a joy to find in this or any field"

Make/year of car you drive: "1996 Honda station wagon--the one with all the Starbucks cups on the floorboard."

How you spent the $2,000 prize? "Quickly"