The College of Communication and Information kicked off the fall 2026 semester by welcoming eight new faculty members and celebrating four faculty promotions throughout its four schools: the School of Communication Studies, the School of Information Sciences, the School of Journalism and Media, and the Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations. Read on to learn a little more about CCI’s exceptional faculty.
Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations
Assistant Professor Yufan “Sunny” Qin
The University of Tennessee’s reputation for excellence in research and teaching made the Tombras School a natural fit for Assistant Professor “Sunny” Yufan Qin. She is excited to join the Rocky Top community while advancing her research and mentoring the next generation of communication professionals.
“I’m excited to become part of the Rocky Top community, build meaningful connections with the people here, explore the beautiful outdoors, and begin this exciting new chapter of my life and career,” Qin said.
Qin’s research explores internal communication, leadership communication, corporate purpose, and employee relationships, with a focus on how strategic communication helps organizations build stronger relationships between organizations and their employees.
Her work has been published in leading journals, including Journal of Public Relations Research, Public Relations Review, and International Journal of Business Communication, and has earned multiple research and paper awards from national communication associations.
She earned her doctoral and master’s degrees in mass communication from the University of Florida and a bachelor’s degree in cultural industry management from Hunan Normal University in China. In the classroom, Qin is passionate about creating an engaging, supportive learning environment that emphasizes real-world application and meaningful student mentorship through hands-on learning opportunities.
Assistant Professor Kyeongwon Kwon
A collaborative culture and shared commitment to meaningful research drew Assistant Professor Kyeongwon Kwon to the Tombras School. Drawn by the research-intensive environment, the school’s culture of collaboration, and the Purpose Project’s commitment to creating positive social impact, Kwon saw UT as the ideal place to continue her work while preparing students for careers in advertising and marketing communications.
“Every conversation during my campus visit left me wanting to work with the people here—with faculty, staff, and students,” she said. “It made the decision feel less like accepting a job and more like joining a community. The Volunteer spirit resonates with why I do this work in the first place.”
Kwon’s research examines sustainability advertising, social marketing, media effects on health, prosocial consumer behavior, and digital brand communication, with a focus on how brands can use communication to encourage positive social and environmental outcomes. Her work has been published in leading journals, including the International Journal of Advertising, the Journal of Current Issues and Research in Advertising, and the Journal of Media Psychology.
She earned her doctorate in communication and a master’s degree in integrated marketing communication from Florida State University, and a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from the University of Minnesota. Before entering academia, Kwon worked in project management for an automotive company in South Korea, an experience that continues to shape her teaching as she helps students connect classroom concepts with the realities of the professional world. Outside of work, she enjoys hand-brewing coffee, exploring Knoxville’s local coffee shops, playing tennis, and training to become a runner.
School of Information Sciences
Professor Shani Daily
Joining the University of Tennessee brings Professor Shani Daily back to her Tennessee roots. With family ties in Knoxville and Tennessee stretching back generations, Daily was drawn to CCI’s vision of information as a deeply human field where her work in human-centered computing, artificial intelligence, and community-engaged research can thrive alongside collaborators across disciplines.
“This is a homecoming for me,” Daily said. “My father’s family is from Knoxville, my parents married here, and I was born in Nashville. I’m excited to be back in Tennessee, reconnect with the community, and experience game day in Neyland Stadium as a Vol, not just a visitor.”
Daily’s research explores human-centered computing, affective computing, AI education, and community-engaged design, with a focus on developing technologies that support learning, workforce development, and meaningful participation in STEM. She has led major interdisciplinary initiatives supported by more than $40 million in funding from the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, foundations, and industry, and her work has been published and recognized across the fields of computing and education.
She earned her PhD in media arts and sciences and Master of Science in Media Technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, along with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from Florida State University and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, respectively. Before joining UT, she served as the Cue Family Professor of the Practice of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Duke University. She looks forward to collaborating across CCI, mentoring students through community-engaged research, and fostering a joyful approach to research that creates lasting impact. As a former cheerleader, Daily brings that same spirit of enthusiasm and teamwork to her research, believing the best scholarship is done alongside the communities it serves.
Clinical Professor Kendra Albright
Returning to UT marks a meaningful homecoming for Clinical Professor Kendra Albright. Having launched her academic career in the School of Information Sciences, Albright was drawn back by CCI’s commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship, innovation, and preparing future leaders in the information and communication fields.
“Rocky Top is where my academic journey began, and I am thrilled to return to a community that values innovation, service, and making a difference,” Albright said. “I look forward to building new collaborations, mentoring future leaders, and contributing to research that addresses complex challenges at local, national, and global levels.”
Albright’s research focuses on knowledge management, global knowledge development, social justice, and the economics of knowledge and information. An internationally recognized scholar, she previously served as the Goodyear Endowed Professor in Knowledge Management at Kent State University and has held academic appointments in the United States and the United Kingdom, including a visiting professorship in Brazil. She also serves as editor-in-chief of Libri. Her research spans topics from HIV/AIDS information dissemination to artificial intelligence, emphasizing social justice, sustainable development, and inclusive access to knowledge.
Albright earned her bachelor’s degree in human development (child and family studies), master’s degree in library science, and a doctorate in communications all from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She looks forward to expanding collaborative research opportunities, mentoring students, and bringing a global perspective, a spirit of curiosity, and a commitment to service to the School of Information Sciences.
School of Communication Studies
Associate Professor Christopher J. Carpenter
As Christopher J. Carpenter joins the School of Communication Studies as an associate professor. He said he is especially eager to work alongside CCI’s faculty and students. He looks forward to collaborating with “the brilliant scholars and students in CCI” and exploring new opportunities to advance research across disciplines.
Carpenter’s research examines persuasion, social media, close relationships, and the ways those areas intersect, making up an extensive record of scholarship, including more than 70 articles published in academic communication and interdisciplinary journals. He has also co-authored two textbooks focused on persuasion and compliance-gaining techniques.
His work in meta-analysis earned him the John E. Hunter Meta-Analysis Research Program Award from the International Communication Association, and his research on social media has been featured by national and international media outlets including CNN, Forbes, Le Monde, The Guardian, Psychology Today, and Men’s Health. Carpenter has also been included in Stanford University’s list of the world’s top 2 percent of most-cited scientists.
Carpenter earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from North Central College, a Master of Arts in Communication Studies from Northern Illinois University, and a doctorate in communication from Michigan State University.
CCI’s growing reputation for interdisciplinary collaboration and its support for high-impact research were among the factors that attracted Carpenter to UT.
“I knew that at the University of Tennessee my research could grow in ways that were not possible at my former institution,” he said. He is particularly interested in developing research projects that create opportunities for student involvement while also extending the impact of his scholarship into the broader community.
Associate Professor Kody Frey, Director of Public Speaking
T. Kody Frey joins the School of Communication Studies as an associate professor and director of public speaking, bringing expertise in instructional communication, communication skills development, and research methods.
At CCI, Frey will work directly with UT’s required general education public speaking courses—an opportunity he is particularly excited about due to its reach across the university.
“I can’t wait to build on [the existing] foundation and work collaboratively to make the public speaking courses among the most impactful and memorable experiences students have during their time at UT,” he said.
Frey also sees an opportunity to elevate public speaking within CCI and establish it as a leading program nationally. His vision is to help develop “the premier speech communication program in the country” through meaningful service, world-class teaching, and impactful research. He said CCI’s ambition and momentum were ultimately what drew him to the college. While he initially had reservations about leaving his previous position, his visit to the UT campus quickly changed his perspective.
“I left that day with a strong feeling that this would be the right place for my next personal and professional chapter,” he said.
For Frey, the transition to Rocky Top is also about becoming part of a community. He said the people he has encountered—including the enthusiasm and support surrounding the university—have made the move especially exciting.
“People want to be here, and I’m quickly getting caught up in the Volunteer spirit!” he said.
Assistant Professor of Practice Whitney Tipton
Whitney Tipton’s professional career has focused on helping organizations develop effective, accessible, and engaging communication strategies, which are skills she plans to translate into her teaching and service in the School of Communication Studies. A UT alumna who earned her PhD in Communication and Information in 2017, Tipton said she was drawn back to the CCI by its strong resources for online education and its commitment to student learning.
“It’s exciting to return to my alma mater,” she said.
As an organizational communication consultant, she has managed strategic communication campaigns and projects for state and federal agencies, nonprofits, and commercial organizations. Most recently, she advised the Tennessee Department of Health on updating online courses to meet digital accessibility requirements.
Her professional expertise centers on accessibility, information design, communication audits, employee engagement, and leadership development. Those interests will inform her teaching and mentorship at CCI, particularly as she works with students in the college’s online programs. Tipton also brings years of experience working with early-career professionals on portfolio development and writing skills, as well as experience advising student groups on consulting projects with real-world organizations.
Tipton holds a master’s in strategic communication and leadership from the University of West Florida and a bachelor’s in Spanish from Carson-Newman University. She is also the author of peer-reviewed publications, government manuals and reports, and two textbooks, including Business Communication for the Modern Workplace.
While her role will be primarily remote, Tipton said she is excited to reconnect with the Volunteer community and “the energy generated from being part of a community of scholars and teachers.”
Teaching Assistant Professor Katelyn Grayson-Sneed
After spending the past several years teaching in a community college setting, Katelyn Grayson-Sneed said she was excited to return to the environment of a large university. She was particularly drawn to CCI’s people, resources, and collaborative culture.
Grayson-Sneed’s teaching experience includes positions at the University of Dayton, Michigan State University, and Sinclair Community College. It was during her time at Sinclair that she developed an interest in supporting students in online learning environments. In her new role, she hopes to build on that experience by creating an engaging and supportive online community for CCI students.
“I am looking forward to creating an incredible online space and presence for our online students and community,” Grayson-Sneed said.
As more students pursue degrees through online programs, she hopes to explore new approaches to make the online learning experience more connected, accessible and meaningful. Her role at CCI will be fully remote, giving her a unique perspective as both an online educator and a member of the college’s online community.
In addition to her teaching, Grayson-Sneed’s research focuses on interpersonal communication and health communication, with a particular interest in the provider-patient relationship. At CCI, she hopes to continue developing her research in interpersonal communication and healthcare.
Grayson-Sneed earned a bachelor’s and master’s in communication from the University of Dayton and a PhD in communication from Michigan State University. As she begins her next chapter at UT, she is eager to combine her teaching experience and research interests with her passion for online education. Her goal is to help CCI continue building a strong online presence and make the college’s online programs among the best in the communication discipline.
School of Journalism and Media
Professor Chris Mooney, Julia G. and Alfred G. Hill Chair of Excellence in Science, Technology and Medical Writing
Bringing decades of award-winning journalism experience to the classroom, Chris Mooney joins CCI as the Julia G. and Alfred G. Hill Chair of Excellence in Science, Technology, and Medical Writing. Drawn to UT’s strong tradition of journalism and its connection to science and technology, Mooney looks forward to mentoring students and advancing the field of science journalism.
“I felt a strong personal resonance when I learned about the Hill Chair,” Mooney said. “It combines my career-long interests in science communication and teaching, and it’s the kind of role I’ve been preparing for throughout my professional career.”
Mooney’s work focuses on science, climate, and environmental journalism, with an emphasis on data-driven reporting. He spent more than two decades at The Washington Post, where he became the newspaper’s first dedicated climate change reporter. In 2020, Mooney earned a 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting for 2°C: Beyond the Limit, a data-driven series examining the impacts of a warming planet. His reporting has also explored sea-level rise and nuclear energy, including reporting from Tennessee’s Watts Bar Nuclear Plant.
Before joining UT, Mooney taught environmental data journalism at the University of Virginia and trained scientists through the National Science Foundation’s “Science: Becoming the Messenger” program. Mooney looks forward to bringing his data driven journalism expertise into the classroom, mentoring students and helping them develop the skills to communicate complex scientific issues to diverse audiences.
Teaching Associate Professor Sara Thomason
Award-winning filmmaker and educator Sara Thomason has returned to Rocky Top with a decade of experience in film production, scriptwriting, and creative media education. A University of Tennessee graduate herself, Thomason earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication in Journalism and Electronic Media before completing a Master of Fine Arts in Motion Picture Arts at Florida State University. Her professional work spans feature films, documentaries, and commercial productions, with an emphasis on cinematography and visual storytelling.
Thomason said she was drawn to CCI’s “strong faculty, focus on creativity and innovation, and student-centered approach to teaching.” Returning to her alma mater also provides an opportunity to invest in the next generation of storytellers at the university where her own journey began.
Throughout her career, Thomason has developed a reputation for blending creative media theory with hands-on production experience. She has spent the past decade teaching production, scriptwriting, and development while mentoring award-winning student filmmakers. Her dedication to experiential learning has earned multiple teaching award nominations and reflects her commitment to help students develop both their creative voice and technical expertise.
At CCI, Thomason looks forward to building on the exceptional work already being produced by students while collaborating with faculty across the college.
“The creative media work I’ve seen from our students is already phenomenal,” she said. “I’m looking forward to bringing my expertise in storytelling to CCI to help further elevate student work. I’m also excited to collaborate with our incredible faculty.”
As she begins this new chapter on Rocky Top, Thomason is energized by the creative spirit she sees throughout the university. “The energy and excitement to learn and create at UT is palpable,” she said. “I’m excited to see what we can do together.”
Faculty Promotions and Tenure
Senior Lecturer Calyn Meade, School of Communication Studies
Since spring 2020, Meade has been a committed instructor at the School of Communication Studies, teaching 61 sections of public speaking, including 12 specialized sections designed to support students with speech anxiety.
Her commitment to helping students build confidence is reflected not only in the breadth of her teaching, but also in her ongoing work with the Public Speaking Center—a resource that offers public speaking support to all students, faculty, and staff at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Meade also led the Southeast’s largest student public speaking competition for three years, the McClung Public Speaking Contest, a semiannual event that all students enrolled in a Public Speaking course must attend, typically filling a large auditorium every semester. This role entails recruiting judges to oversee initial rounds of the competition and executing the final round wherein five students compete for prizes and recognition.
In addition to her teaching and public speaking work, Meade embodies the Volunteer spirit by serving as the college representative to Student Disability Services.
Professor Laura Miller, School of Communication Studies
While known as an exceptional teacher, Miller also shines in her research around interpersonal and health communication, having authored or co-authored more than 45 scholarly manuscripts, book chapters, and reports, with publications in the discipline’s most respected journals.
Her scholarship reflects a strong and sustained commitment to understanding how communication shapes people’s experiences of health, illness, and close relationships, with particular attention to illness-related uncertainty, identity negotiation, and the ways individuals and families communicate support in the face of health stressors.
In addition to her excellence in the classroom and scholastic rigor, Miller serves as director of the Bohan Center for Global Engagement, which connects CCI students with study abroad opportunities and global learning experiences while supporting faculty in building international partnerships. She helped launch the school’s study abroad program to Dublin, Ireland, and has spent many summers in the country teaching and supporting students as they learn about intercultural communication in an immersive setting.
Associate Professor of Practice Joy-Marie Doan
Doan, who brought her expertise in academic librarianship, information organization, and archives and records management to the School of Information Sciences (SIS) in 2021, has taught 72 sections of graduate and undergraduate courses both online and in-person in that time. She also serves as the practicum coordinator and advising SIS master’s students in one of the university’s highest enrollment graduate programs.
She has served as a faculty senator and was on the Teaching and Learning Council Committee, was named as a faculty fellow for 2025-2026 by Teaching and Learning Innovation, and served on numerous college and school committees. Doan was one of the two inaugural recipients of the UT Faculty Senate’s Heart and Soul Award, which recognizes positive contributions to climate and culture on campus.
She also contributes to the profession through her involvement with the Association for Library and Information Science Education, the Tennessee Library Association, and the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries.
School of Information Sciences Associate Professor Ben Horne
Horne’s research is both productive and prolific, with a record that far exceeds the average number of publications among tenure-seeking faculty. He has established an impressive and highly interdisciplinary research program, combining computational methods with the social sciences to address some of the most consequential challenges facing today’s information environment.
As a founding faculty fellow in CCI’s Information Integrity Institute, his work on disinformation, misinformation, media trust, content moderation, and malign influence is both methodologically sophisticated and unusually timely, with publications in leading venues. Horne is also a joint faculty member in the Bredesen Center’s Data Science and Engineering program at UT and an affiliate of the Center for National Security and Foreign Affairs within the Baker School for Public Policy and Public Affairs.
He is equally committed to teaching and service, developing courses for the school’s growing degree programs, mentoring students at every level, and contributing to the school, college, university, and profession.
