2025 Alumni of the Year: Patrick Tice (’15), Public Relations Alumni of the Year, and Lynne Jansons (’05), Advertising Alumni of the Year.
The Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations is proud to recognize its 2025 Alumni of the Year: Lynne Jansons (’05), Advertising Alumni of the Year, and Patrick Tice (’15), Public Relations Alumni of the Year.
Each year, the school honors one advertising alum and one public relations alum whose professional accomplishments, leadership, and continued engagement with the university reflect the values of the Tombras School. This year’s recipients, whose paths span New York City media, national brand campaigns, and award-winning creative work, exemplify the impact of ADPR graduates in the industry.
Advertising Alum of the Year: Lynne Jansons (’05)
For Lynne Jansons, her career in advertising traces back to a moment of clarity in an Introduction to Media class at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Realizing she could take the way she thought about numbers and apply it to advertising set everything in motion.
“One of the moments that really shaped me was the New York City ADPR trip in 2005,” Jansons said. “Getting a behind-the-scenes look at top agencies and meeting UT alumni who were doing the work I dreamed about made everything click. A year later, I was interning at MTV in Times Square and soon after starting my first full-time agency job in Manhattan.”
Over the last two decades, Jansons has built a career spanning agencies, tech startups, entrepreneurial ventures, and in-house brand teams. She currently serves as marketing director at Caesars Entertainment, Inc., and has worked with major brands including AT&T, Bank of America, Comcast, and Hershey’s. Her experience has given her a wide view into how the industry evolves and where it’s headed.
Staying connected to UT has remained important to her. As a member of the Tombras School Board of Advisors, Jansons provides students with insights, mentorship, and networking support—contributions that played a meaningful role in her selection for this award.
“Personally, this recognition takes me back to being a student who dreamed of working in the New York City advertising industry,” she said. “To be honored by the program that helped set my career in motion feels really special.” Professionally, she added, the award reinforces why she’s always gravitated toward roles where she can keep growing and expanding her skills. “That mindset has shaped my entire career path.”
Jansons learned she had been selected while visiting campus earlier this fall. A walk through Circle Park made the moment even more memorable. “I happened to look down and saw a brick with my name on it. I got it when I graduated and had completely forgotten about it. Finding it on the exact day I received this award felt like everything had lined up perfectly.”
She also carries vivid memories from her student days, including one that made a lasting impression.
“There used to be an entrance to Neyland Stadium where you could walk onto the field to get to the student section,” she said. “Being that close to the energy was unforgettable and probably helped spark my interest in the sports sponsorship work I get to do today.”
Looking back, the standout moments in her career are the ones that pushed her out of her comfort zone, including speaking at an innovation conference about Facebook advertising in front of hundreds of people, and joining the 2020 Biden for President campaign without any prior political experience. “Those definitely pushed me,” she said. “They taught me so much, helped me grow, and shaped the direction of my career.”
Her advice for students reflects her own journey. “Say yes to opportunities that give you experience, even if they’re not the exact role you pictured. And don’t shy away from things that push you out of your comfort zone. Those moments usually end up moving you forward the most.”
Public Relations Alum of the Year: Patrick Tice (’15)
For Patrick Tice, UT was always the destination. Growing up in Fayetteville, Tennessee, he remembers visiting Knoxville for football games and sensing from an early age that he wanted to be a Vol. After beginning as a marketing major, he later shifted to public relations. It was a decision that transformed his academic experience.
“Instantly, it was such a change to have hands-on practical learning,” Tice said. “We were writing press releases and working on projects for real clients. I found it very engaging and helpful.”
Tice worked throughout college, playing in bands and holding restaurant jobs, and did not complete an internship until his final semester. That single internship, however, changed everything. Encouraged by Lecturer Sharon Toedte, he applied for an internship at Tombras.
“I started in January 2015, and by March, they had offered me a full-time job after graduation,” he said. “They even moved me into a part-time role between March and August. From there, it’s just been Tombras ever since for the past 10 and a half years.”
Now a group creative director at Tombras, Tice has worked on regional, national, and international campaigns, including beloved work for the iconic MoonPie snack food.
“MoonPie is an account we’ve had for a long time, and we always have such fun working on it,” Tice explained. “The relationship with their team and the agency’s support make it meaningful work that creates ripples in the industry.”
Tice learned he had been selected for the award during Tombras’s annual all-staff meeting at the Bijou Theatre in Downtown Knoxville, where employees from across offices gather each year.
“It took me way too long to realize that maybe I was about to go up on stage and receive a very beautiful recognition from the university,” he said. After hearing his name called, he walked on stage, quickly, hugged Tombras School Interim Director Courtney Childers, said “Go Vols,” and returned to his seat to process the moment.
Reflecting on the honor, he emphasized gratitude more than anything else.
“I feel so incredibly fortunate to have had the experience I had at UT and to have the career I’ve had so far,” he said. “I’m just very grateful for everyone who’s given me opportunities—all the mentors and leaders who helped me grow and rekindle the partnership between the agency and the university. To be included among past honorees is humbling.”
Celebrating Excellence and Continuing Impact
Both Jansons and Tice credit the Tombras School with shaping their careers through mentorship, hands-on experiences, and a community that encouraged them to take risks and pursue bold opportunities. Their continued involvement, through advising, mentorship, and professional collaboration, demonstrates their commitment to supporting the next generation of ADPR students.
The Tombras School congratulates Lynne Jansons and Patrick Tice on their achievements and looks forward to following their continued impact in the years ahead.