Whether weighing in on the state of the economy, explaining the science of flight or offering insights into political trends, Metropolitan State University of Denver faculty members are increasingly helping shape public understanding of the world around us. Now, a select group of those voices is being recognized for their outstanding contributions to media engagement.
University Communications and Marketing at MSU Denver is honoring 12 faculty members with the 2025 Media Ambassador Awards for their ongoing efforts to serve as accessible, knowledgeable and trusted subject-matter experts. Their work supports the University’s mission while advancing its visibility as a thought leader across disciplines, said Tim Carroll, senior director of Media Relations.
“These individuals exemplify the very best of public scholarship,” he said. “Their dedication over the past seven years has brought enormous value to both the media and the University community.”
Communicator of Distinction Award
Five faculty members received the prestigious Communicator of Distinction Award, which honors those who have averaged more than 40 media interviews annually over a seven-year period — a sustained commitment that significantly boosts MSU Denver’s public profile.
In addition to volume, recipients have demonstrated consistent excellence in accessibility, responsiveness, objectivity and clarity, helping audiences navigate complex issues with confidence and understanding.
Communicator of Distinction Award honorees:
- Jeff Price – professor, Aviation and Aerospace Science
- Darrin Duber-Smith – senior lecturer, Marketing
- Kishore Kulkarni, Ph.D. – professor, Economics
- Steve Beaty, Ph.D. – professor, Computer Science
- Robert Preuhs, Ph.D. – chair and professor, Political Science
Engaged Expert Awards
The Engaged Expert Award celebrates faculty and staff members who are newer to media outreach or who have made a significant impact by averaging more than 20 interviews annually. These honorees are building strong reputations as trusted experts across a wide range of topics.
Engaged Expert Award recipients:
- Christina Huber, Ph.D. – professor, Economics
- Stacey Hervey – affiliate professor, Criminal Justice and Criminology
- Alexandre Padilla, Ph.D. – chair and professor, Economics
- Sam Jay, Ph.D. – professor, Communication Studies; executive director of Online Learning, Emerging Technology and Academic Transformation
- Robert Persichitte – affiliate professor, Accounting
- Chad Kendall – associate professor, Aviation and Aerospace Science
- Randi Smith – professor, Psychological Sciences
These faculty members help connect academic expertise with public curiosity, answering questions on timely topics while showcasing the strengths of MSU Denver’s academic programs.
Building Community Impact
By lending their voices to public dialogue, these faculty members not only support the media’s need for trustworthy information but also act as ambassadors for the University, Carroll said. Their work enhances recruiting, retention and the overall public perception of MSU Denver, he added.
Share your expertise
Faculty and staff members interested in joining the Media Experts Guide should contact Tim Carroll ([email protected]) for more information about how to get involved and help tell the MSU Denver story.
