Ken Ward, a graduate teaching assistant in the Wichita State University Elliott School of Communication, has won the Master’s Category of the Excellence in Teaching Award from the Midwest Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS).

This is the first time the award has been given to a WSU nominee. The committee was especially impressed with Ward’s innovation in teaching – such as his focus on teaching with students rather than at them.

The award is in recognition of graduate students who exemplify excellence in the teaching and learning mission of universities.

Ward will receive a $750 honorarium and has been invited to speak at the MAGS award luncheon about his teaching philosophy and style. The event is April 16 in St. Louis.

“It really is an incredible honor to win this award,” Ward says. “I’m so happy to have the opportunity to represent Wichita State in this way. The compassion and genuine concern our GTAs have for their students deserves attention, and I hope this award brings notice to their efforts.”