Awards Ambush

Awards Ambush

photo of instructor ringing a cowbell in front of excited studets
Photo by Grace Cockrell

April 17, 2026

Iva Ballard, Mississippi State business quantitative analysis instructor, rings a newly gifted cowbell in front of her class Thursday [April  9] after receiving surprise news that she is one of the university’s newest Grisham Master Teacher Award recipients. This honor recognizes faculty members who demonstrate excellence in teaching and engage students effectively in the learning process, while playing a broader part in recognizing faculty excellence in research, teaching and service. Others receiving this prestigious university designation are Peter Summerlin, Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design associate professor and Benjamin Tkach, Department of Political Science and Public Administration associate professor. See this special surprise unfold by visiting here