Kristen Gallant
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Coming Home to Rocky Top: SIS Alumna Jordan Kaufman Returns as Research Data Librarian
Jordan Kaufman (‘18) has returned to Rocky Top after graduating from the School of Information Sciences (SIS) master’s program in 2018. She is now a research data librarian at Hodges Library at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. With a passion for data and community service, Kaufman is eager to bring her volunteer spirit back to…
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MSIS Alumna Celebrates Full Circle Moment After Becoming Lead Librarian at the College, Where She Held Her First Higher Education Teaching Role
Sara Beth Coffman (‘23), an alumna of the School of Information Sciences, is fulfilling her dream job as the lead librarian for Information Literacy and Instruction at Chattanooga State Community College. Even before joining a library system, Coffman had a passion for teaching. She earned her undergraduate degree in English from Emory & Henry College,…
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From Pigeon Forge to Los Angeles, Tombras School Students Interned Across the Nation this Summer
From the bright lights of Los Angeles to the scenic hills of East Tennessee, Tombras School students are acquiring practical experience in industries that align with their passions and future goals. The Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations encourages its students to pursue internships around the world. Internships provide an excellent opportunity for students…
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Associate Professor Minjie Li Wins AEJMC Advertising Division Early Career Teaching Excellence Award
Associate Professor Minjie Li was recognized with the Early Career Teaching Excellence Award from the Advertising Division of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) at this year’s conference in San Francisco. This award honors outstanding undergraduate teaching and is given to individuals who have completed at least two full academic years…
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SIS Showcases Global Impact at LIDA 2025
The Libraries in the Digital Age (LIDA) conference is an internationally recognized event that celebrated its 25th anniversary this year in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Several faculty members, students, and alumni from the School of Information Sciences (SIS) attended and participated in engaging workshops and presentations at this year’s LIDA conference, which is one of many events…
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SIS Alumna Earns ALA Equality Award for Transforming Hiring Practices at KSU Libraries
When Kristina Clement (’18) took on her current role as assistant director of academic engagement and instruction for collegiate librarians at Kennesaw State University, she quickly began having informal conversations with library employees that inspired her to approach a colleague with an idea. It wasn’t long before Clement and her coworker, Karen Doster-Greenleaf, had a…
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Rocky Top Business Award Alumni Feature: Mike Maddux (‘83), Owner of Moonshine Mountain Cookie Company
From lemonade stands to national recognition, Mike Maddux (’83) has achieved remarkable success with Moonshine Mountain Cookie Company. His entrepreneurial journey began long before the company was founded. As a child, he sold Kool-Aid and mistletoe. Now, as the owner of Moonshine Mountain Cookie Company, he’s earning national recognition from USA TODAY. Maddux’s career has…
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Tombras School Students Gain Career Insights During Chicago Networking Trip
For many students who participate in a Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations networking trip, it represents either their first or last major experience with the Tombras School and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. These trips can inspire students’ career paths and enlighten them about opportunities and environments in their industry they would never…
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Rocky Top Business Award Alumni Feature: Eric Jackson (’90), Owner of Element 47, LLC
Eric Jackson (’90) never imagined he would own his own business when he began pursuing an advertising degree at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Today, he is the owner of Elements 47, LLC and a recipient of the 2025 Rocky Top Business Award. As a first-generation college student who became a successful business owner, Jackson…
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From Student to Changemaker: Kayla Siddell Champions the Next Generation of Librarians
Kayla Siddell (‘13) is eager to mentor students and help them prepare for the real world, as she remembers what it is like to be in their position. Siddell earned her master’s degree in information sciences from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 2013. She is currently the chief operational officer (COO) of the Atlanta…