Dr. Teresa Jo Styles
North Carolina A&T State University
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s 2102 nominee for the University Of North Carolina Board Of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching is Dr. Teresa Jo Styles, Professor of Mass Communication in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication. Dr. Styles joined the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University faculty in 1993 after an extensive career as a broadcast journalist and producer with CBS News and previous academic positions at Savannah State College and Bennett College.
Dr. Styles has a deep and lasting impact on her students, both in and outside the classroom, and is a tireless supporter of their career development. As a teacher she infuses her courses with first-hand experiences from her extensive background in professional journalism, creating a classroom environment that keeps students enthused about learning. DeWayne Wickham, her department chairperson, notes that students buzz with "excitement and anticipation" as they gather outside the classroom before the start of her Media History classes.
Dr. Styles is viewed as "tough but loving" teacher and mentor who holds students to the highest expectations- often exceeding those they have set for themselves. A former student, now working with NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams, credits her constant focus on excellence with his success: "She challenged students to think deeper, and work harder than we had ever worked before... it is the things I learned from Dr. Styles that helped me get where I am today." Another former student voices similar praise: "You can really tell that journalism is not only one of your greatest passions in life, but also that you truly want the absolute best for your students. You make sure that all your students reach their highest potential, no matter what!"
Throughout her career at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Dr. Styles has been a steadfast advocate for her students. She is constantly seeking out internships, graduate and professional school programs, research experiences, and professional placements to expand their career opportunities. Her students have benefitted greatly, regularly obtaining prominent positions in regional and national news broadcasting, public relations, and sales, as well as placement in graduate and professional programs.
Dr. Styles is a dedicated teacher, mentor, professional and role model who has made a lasting impression on countless students, a connection that starts in the classroom and extends throughout their careers. A former student, now in graduate school, reflects on the impact of her teaching on his career path: I always took from your classes that you wanted students to go out and take matters into their own hands. Nothing will be given; it must be earned... I looked up to your teaching, focusing on group effort to succeed, using different communication media, and using history to know where you come from in order to get where you are going."
Dr. Styles earned her BA in English from Spelman College, her MA in Film from Northwestern University, and her doctorate in mass communications from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.