Alumni News
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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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Big Night for CCI at 2025 TAB Excellence in Broadcasting Awards: WUOT, School of Journalism and Media, The Media Center, Earn Honors
From left to right: WUOT-FM audio engineer, Tim Berry, Associate Professor of Practice Brittany Tarwater, and WUOT reporter Pierce Gentry pose together with their awards. A Night to Remember The Tennessee Association of Broadcasting (TAB) Excellence in Broadcasting Awards is always an exciting night for the organization’s members. Those in the world of TV and…
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Rocky Top Business Award Alumni Feature: Sharon Oldham (’82), Co-Founder of Oldham Hospitality
When College of Communication and Information alumna Sharon Oldham (‘82) graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, she was not thinking about becoming an entrepreneur. The thought only crossed her mind after working several entry level jobs and marrying her husband Mark Oldham (‘82). However, she feels fortunate for the success they have enjoyed for…
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Rocky Top Business Award Alumni Feature: Julia Bonner (’10), Founder of Pierce Public Relations
College of Communication and Information alumna Julia Bonner’s (‘10) first internship was with WBIR Channel 10. At the time, she aspired to be a broadcast journalist, but after completing the internship, she reevaluated her career options. She wanted to be a storyteller but realized the journalism industry was not the right fit for her. She…
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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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Rocky Top Business Award Alumni Feature: Tanya Ickowitz (’12), Co-Founder of Patdome Promotions
Tanya Ickowitz (‘12) jokingly says that when she earned her Master of Science in Communication and Information, she didn’t know she’d be using it to “fold boxes.” But folding boxes is by far not all the College of Communication and Information alumna does at Patdome Promotions, a Knoxville-based creative agency and promotional product company she…
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Rocky Top Business Award Alumni Feature: Cindy Brewer (’91), Co-Founder of LEO Events
Leo Events was recognized with a Rocky Top Business Award. Pictured from left to right are: Spencer Broocks, VP of Finance, Kevin Brewer, Co-Founder and Partner, Cindy Brewer, Co-Founder and Partner, and David Kenyon, Senior Vice President of Production. College of Communication and Information alumna Cindy Brewer (’91) believes exceptional professional communication is the most…
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Journalism & Media Alumni Team Up to Create Bonnie Hufford Endowment
From left: School of Journalism and Media Professor Emerita Dorothy Bowles; Lisa Hood Skinner (’80), Mack Hufford (Bonnie’s brother), and Fatima Hyder (’94). Bonnie Hufford put her all into what she did, whether she was teaching students proper grammar and Associated Press style or fundraising for the American Cancer Society. Before she passed away after…
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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…