Dr. Jim Dufek, professor of mass media at Southeast Missouri State University, was honored with the Dr. R. Ferrell Ervin Excellence in Teaching Award at the annual Student Government Association (SGA) banquet April 23.
Student Government described Dr. Jim Dufek as exemplifying the intelligence, work ethic, and compassion necessary to thrive in higher education, according to Gabriel Harman, chair of the Student Government Association’s (SGA) University Affairs Committee. Harman stated that Dufek demonstrates the qualities sought in a recipient of the R. Ferrell Ervin Excellence in Teaching Award and expressed satisfaction in recognizing his achievements. Dufek was nominated by Dr. Pam Parry, chair of the Department of Mass Media, on the basis of his exceptional instruction and disciplinary knowledge, commitment to student growth, and active involvement in student organizations.
Parry emphasized Dufek’s passion for lifelong learning and his dedication to students both in the classroom and in the television studio, characterizing him as a remarkable professor whose influence has shaped the campus for decades. The R. Ferrell Ervin Excellence in Teaching Award honors the late Dr. R. Ferrell Ervin, a professor of mass communication and former chair of the Department of Communication, who was active in the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication and the Public Relations Society of America. Over 17 years at Southeast, Ervin encouraged students and colleagues to prioritize excellence in teaching.
Parry noted that Dufek embodies many of the same qualities associated with Ervin’s lasting positive impact on the University and its students. Reflecting on the award, Dufek remarked that Ervin had been both his chair and friend and described it as a meaningful tribute for the SGA to name an award after Ervin and an honor to be selected as a recipient. Dufek expressed gratitude to Parry for the nomination and to the students involved in the selection process, stating that recognition from students was both humbling and significant.
Dufek was honored for his commitment to student success and his efforts that extend beyond traditional classroom teaching. Parry described him as a remarkable teacher whose work has profoundly affected students’ lives and highlighted his dedication to aligning instruction with industry standards and preparing students for successful careers. His courses incorporate extensive hands-on, in-studio, and remote production experiences, and he supervises students who create programming for local television outlets, including “Focus on Southeast,” “River Tales,” “Independently Speaking,” “Cape Chronicle,” and “Redhawks Update.”
Parry underscored that Dufek’s students produce professional-quality programs for broadcast due to his commitment to both students and the University. Dufek serves as a professor and television and film operations manager in the Department of Mass Media and received the Faculty Merit Award in 2010. His professional service includes membership on the Board of Directors for the Media Communication Association-International and the Missouri Motion Media Association, as well as past service as president of the Media Communication Association-International. He is also a member of the Broadcast Educators Association and the College Media Association, and he serves on the Southeast Missouri Hospital Board of Trustees, acts as vice president of the SoutheastHealth College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and is president of the Notre Dame Regional High School Education Foundation.