Years of service in research and teaching have earned associate professor of sociology Melinda Messineo recognition for her hard work.
Messineo will receive this year's John F. Schnabel Distinguished Contributions to Teaching Award, given by the North Central Sociology Association on April 18.
The nomination was not something she expected, Messineo said.
"It's a huge surprise," she said. "I think it was really humbling and honoring because the people who nominated me are amazing teachers also, so the fact that they chose to put me forward was a great honor."
The awarding organization supports sociology professors in research and teaching and includes the regions of Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Ontario, western Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
"It's really exciting to be working with other people who are passionate about teaching also," she said. "So the support and their emphasis on quality teaching has been very valuable to me."
As a part of the association, Messineo has given students the opportunity to interact with the organization.
"I bring students to conferences," she said. "And [the association] was one of the first conferences that we brought students to. North Central is known for being very supportive of people who care a great deal about teaching."
Lissa Yogan, teaching committee chair for the association, said the organization was proud of having Messineo as a member.
"[Messineo] is excellent," she said. "She was nominated by her department, but when we saw the things she does and the breath in her work, we knew she was a good candidate."
Yogan said the awards process consists of receiving the nominations and selecting a group of eight nominees, based on articles developed, syllabi, teaching statements and other criteria.
Messineo said she enjoyed teaching sociology, especially to students who will not choose the discipline as their major.
"Most students take sociology because it's a core curriculum course," she said. "But the class can help them frame and think about the world around."
Since 2000, Messineo has served Ball State in several areas, such as the Virginia Ball Center for Creative Inquiry and Freshman Connections. She is also the contributing author of several instructional materials for Ball State.
Having the opportunity to teach students and bring them an eye-opening experience is the most important aspect of teaching for her, Messineo said.
"I love having the diverse perspective," she said. "And I love teaching sociology majors too, but having the chance to have all these diverse perspectives talking about these big issues that impact us in a meaningful way is just really rewarding."
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