Topic: College of Communication Information and Media
June 26, 2007
A recently retired Ball State
telecommunications instructor will be honored this fall with a lifetime achievement award for his contributions to education in the field of television.
The Lower Great Lakes chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) will recognize James Shasky with the prestigious Board of Governors Award Sept. 8 at the regional Emmy Awards Show in Cleveland.
After a 30-year career in television that included directing live coverage of the Nixon impeachment hearings and the annual Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon, Shasky joined the Ball State faculty in 1997 and quickly became known for his work ethic.
As a faculty producer at Ball State, Shasky received a 2005 regional Emmy Award in the public service announcement category for "Even Experts Make Mistakes," which addressed gun safety. He also won Best in Category: Short Form for his documentary "Cell Block Scholars" at the national 2007 Broadcast Education Association (BEA) Media Festival.
"From the start of his tenure at Ball State, Jim developed relationships with his students that inspired them," said Nancy Carlson, telecommunications department chair. "He was among our best faculty when it comes to providing immersive learning experiences to our students. So many sought him out for his advice, and he has mentored some of the most promising young talent in the industry."
Shasky's work played a key role in Ball State being named Indiana's Broadcast School of the Year for the last three years, Carlson added. Partially under his tutelage, Ball State students, faculty and staff have won 18 regional Emmy Awards since 2001.
By Marc Ransford, Senior Communications Strategist