Lisa Hanasono Receives 2018 20 Under 40 Leadership Recognition Award

Dr. Lisa Hanasono, associate professor of communication studies at Bowling Green State University, received a 2018 20 Under 40 Leadership Recognition Award on Sept. 24 at the 23nd annual 20 Under 40 ceremony.  She was selected from a record number of 255 candidates.

Committed to social justice and diversity, Hanasono works tirelessly to serve the public good by promoting diversity, equity and inclusion through her teaching, leadership, mentoring and community engagement, said her nomination letter. As a teacher, she has helped thousands of BGSU students cultivate the knowledge and skills needed to communicate effectively across diverse contexts. Her research examines how people use communication to prevent, stop and speak out against prejudice, stigma and discrimination. She is a published researcher and has given more than 50 professional presentations at local, regional and national venues.

Hanasono’s awards and recognition include a research fellowship from BGSU’S Institute for the Study of Culture and Society, its Outstanding Contributor to Graduate Education Award, Elliott Blinn Award for Faculty-Undergraduate Research and President’s Award for Academic Advising of Undergraduate Students, plus the Central States Communication Association’s Outstanding New Teacher Award and the Bruce Kendall Award for Excellence in Teaching.

At BGSU, she has served on the President’s Advisory Council for Diversity and Inclusion, the Center for Faculty Excellence’s Advisory Board, the College of Arts and Sciences Council, and the School of Media and Communication Director’s Advisory Committee. She has chaired the National Communication Association’s (NCA) Asian Pacific American Caucus and served as the publications officer of NCA’s International and Intercultural Communication Division.

BGSU’s Dr. Sara Khorshidifard, Dr. Russell Mills and Paul Valdez also were nominated for the award. Khorshidifard, an assistant professor of architecture, teaches architecture and urban design studios. Mills, an associate professor of political science, is the director of the Center for Regional Development. Valdez is associate director for the Center for Community and Civic Engagement.

The 20 Under 40 program focuses on individuals in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan under the age of 40 who have distinguished themselves in their career and/or in the community. An independent panel of judges selects the 20 candidates for recognition.