Ball State journalism professor David Sumner has more than a knack for writing. He has a passion to share his knowledge with his students and the magazine industry.

His years of service have been recognized both locally and nationally as students and peers alike express their appreciation for his achievements.

Sumner, who coordinates the magazine program in the Department of Journalism, was named 2007 Magazine Educator of the Year by the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) in recognition of his national leadership in magazine research and education. He was honored at the group’s annual convention in Washington, D.C.

It was the 27th year the organization saluted outstanding magazine professionals and educators. Past honorees include William Shawn of The New Yorker and Richard Stolley of Time Inc.

“I feel the greatest honor one can receive is to be recognized by your peers and for your service to the profession,” Sumner says. “Every other year, the organization recognizes an educator in the field, and this is the highest honor I have received in my career.”

In nominating Sumner, colleagues remarked on his generous and selfless support of magazine education and the association. He headed AEJMC’s magazine division in 1999-2000 and today serves as managing editor of the division’s online Journal of Magazine and New Media Research. As webmaster for the division, he has been instrumental in helping magazine educators share course resources and publish their work. Sumner also has contributed to the industry as a coauthor of two popular textbooks on magazine journalism.

A close second on his list of greatest honors is his 2006 winning nomination to The Star Press 50-Over-50 awards. Why? The nomination came from his students.

“Dr. Sumner is very knowledgeable about the industry,” says senior Matt Mukerjee. “His friendly demeanor makes him very approachable when you have a question.”

Mukerjee is part of Ball State’s student-run magazine, expo, which has 25 members. Sumner has been the faculty advisor for this award-winning magazine for 18 years. The Indiana Collegiate Press Association named expo the 2006 Collegiate Magazine of the Year.