Writer William Arthur Ward once observed, “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”  

I have experienced inspirational guides at every level of my learning. Mr. Frank DeVito, whose encouragement and care in high school showed me education was more than just books and lectures. My undergraduate and graduate school professors included Dr. Sandra Berkowitz, Dr. Lyombe Eko, Dr. George Raymond, Dr. Michael Speigler, and Dr. Joe Cammarano. They taught different disciplines, but each inspired and mentored me in ways I’m still realizing. These higher ed heroes taught me information—but the most important lessons they shared with me were the experiences that helped shape their lives as critical thinkers and contributors to our overall society.

Every educational institution I have attended or worked at has those special individuals. I’m certain most of you have also connected with incredible professors and administrators who remain guides for life as much as they are teachers. In my time at Butler University, I’ve recognized there are so many individuals who fit these criteria across a variety of fields and colleges on our campus. Call me biased, but I think our current team of instructors in CCOM, from various levels of education, professional accomplishment, and life experience, are as good as you’ll find anywhere. And it only gets better as I get to introduce (alphabetically) the four newest full-time faculty members, who join the Class of 2027 in embarking on a new adventure in the Fairbanks Center of Communications.

Mr. Ryan Gautreaux (Communication and Critical Media): Ryan will teach a variety of courses, including Media Literacy, and Sports and Culture. It’s important to note that while Ryan is teaching here at Butler, he also is working to finish his doctoral dissertation at Georgia State University.  Ryan loves teaching and knows without it he would have trouble finishing his dissertation. He is excited to be here at Butler to work with our tremendous students and setting a great example as he finishes his own program via a long distance approach.

Mr. Matthew Herbertz (Eugene S. Pulliam School of Journalism and Creative Media): Matthew is a filmmaker originally from Indianapolis but spent several years teaching in Florida before coming to Butler. In addition to teaching in the Creative Media and Entertainment major, Matt also will be the new advisor for Indy Blue Video*, and he has started enacting new ideas for that student organization (the * is there because Matt and his students will spearhead a new name and brand for the organization this semester). He is passionate about teaching, but also about showing students how to operate in a creative environment.  

Mr. Bob Schultz (Strategic Communication): Bob joins the Department of Strategic Communication after a long and illustrious career at Downtown Indy, Inc., and serving as a tremendous adjunct and resource for Butler students for almost thirty years.  I learned very quickly that there is no one in Indianapolis who either does not know and love Bob, or whom Bob does not know.  Given he is not new to campus, he hasn’t missed a beat with his classes, bringing in guest speakers galore, mentoring students 1:1, and even arranging for one class to do a bike tour of, wait for it…….Downtown Indy!  I joined them (in a golf cart) and it was quite the experience.

Ms. Mandy Thurston (Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences): Mandy is as professional, energetic and passionate as they come. She has taught part-time for Butler in the past so she knows and loves our CCOM Bulldogs. Mandy is a speech pathologist by trade, a teacher by heart, and a fun and enjoyable person (and sports fan) all the time. I am excited about the expertise she brings, but more so her experiences which will teach our SLHS students even more.

Butler faculty have always been engaged teachers, who remember their students and whose students remember them long after graduation. I see evidence no matter where I am on campus and with every alum I meet. I know that Matt, Mandy, Ryan, and Bob will add to that community and reputation because they fit the mold of Butler and our CCOM teachers—selfless stewards of our future generational leaders.

We have welcomed great new teachers to join our current amazing faculty and we know they’ll all inspire our students.