Nicholas B. Lacy, M.A., a distinguished member of Ivy Tech Community College's Diversity, Equity, & Belonging (DEB) team, has been recognized with the prestigious 2023 National Communication Association (NCA) Graduate Teaching Award in Organizational Communication. This award acknowledges outstanding graduate instructors within the field of communication nationwide, and Nicholas Lacy's exceptional contributions have earned him this distinguished honor.
Nicholas currently serves as an adjunct in Communication and as the Diversity lead at Ivy Tech's Lafayette Campus, where he plays a pivotal role in fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for students, faculty, and staff. Alongside his responsibilities at Ivy Tech, Nicholas is a Ph.D. Candidate in Organizational Communication at Purdue University's Brian Lamb School of Communication, demonstrating his commitment to advancing scholarly research and pedagogical excellence.
At the forefront of his work lies Nicholas's dedication to exploring the communicative dynamics of decolonial race-based practices, with a particular focus on racial microaggressions, racial battle fatigue, and race lighting in various contexts such as U.S. law enforcement, workplaces, and higher education. His contributions include the co-authorship of the Critically Reflexive Co-Mentoring (CRCM) theory, a transformative framework aimed at empowering college students with marginalized identities.
With over fifteen peer-reviewed publications to his name, Nicholas has emerged as a leading voice in addressing critical issues such as Black masculinity, environmental racism, and culturally responsive pedagogy in education. His recent studies shed light on the experiences of Black college students at minority-serving institutions, highlighting the importance of amplifying underrepresented voices in academia.
Nicholas's achievements extend beyond academia, as evidenced by his receipt of numerous research, teaching, and leadership awards. Notably, he has garnered recognition from institutions such as the National Communication Association (NCA), Western States Communication Association (WSCA), and Purdue University's Graduate School, underscoring his multifaceted contributions to scholarship and pedagogy.
In accepting the 2023 NCA Graduate Teaching Award in Organizational Communication, Nicholas expressed gratitude for the support of his mentors, colleagues, and family, particularly his mother, Gwendolyn Lacy, a dedicated educator whose influence has shaped his teaching philosophy.
As he continues his academic journey, Nicholas remains steadfast in his mission to inspire critical thinking, positive change, and creativity among future generations of scholars. With aspirations of becoming a tenured professor and ultimately a university president, Nicholas is poised to leave an indelible mark on the landscape of higher education.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
