Alumni News
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Frankie Perry is Advancing Her Career Graduating with her Second Master’s in Information Sciences
Frankie Perry (’24) enjoys her role in the circulation department of the University of Memphis Ned McWherter Libraries. She has worked for the University of Memphis for over 30 years, spending the last 20 years in the library. However, until recently, she did not have a degree in information sciences. “I’ve been assisting the librarian…
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From Chile to UT, PR Masters Grad Valentina Gomez is Ready to Help Families Like Hers
Valentina Gomez (‘23, ‘24) is set to receive her master’s degree in public relations in just three semesters, following her undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she majored in journalism. She will graduate from the College of Communication and Information with a job already secured. During her time at UT, both for…
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Celebrating 50 years of the PRSSA Sammie Lynn Puett Chapter at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) Sammie Lynn Puett Chapter at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. This milestone event honored the legacy of Sammie Lynn Puett, a beloved professor and influential figure in the field of public relations. The celebration brought together past and present members, reflecting on…
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SIS Alumnus Danny Hussey is Leading the Technological Renaissance at Sanibel Public Library
Off the coast of southwest Florida lies a vacationer’s paradise that doesn’t require a passport: Sanibel Island. This quaint island is roughly twelve miles long and is surrounded by pristine beaches. The local population is small yet dedicated, with a strong focus on conservation efforts and public services. One essential service on the island is…
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Journalism Alum Jim Sexton Looks Back on a Colorful Career in Content Creation
There’s a lot Jim Sexton (’81) has recognized in hindsight about his many formative experiences at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville—but once he recognizes the impact, he turns around and acts on it. When it occurred to him that working as a photographer for the yearbook and The Daily Beacon helped shape his career as…
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Tombras School Alumna Honored for Her Work in DEI Shares Encouraging Message with Student
Christie Sithiphone (’09) calls herself a lifelong learner. Even as the vice president of inclusion and engagement for Marina Maher Communications (MMC), Sithiphone says she’s not above any task. In October, Sithiphone returned to her alma mater to speak to University of Tennessee, Knoxville, students about the skills they need in the real world that…
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J. Phenise Poole 2024 Recipient of the Donald G. Hileman Distinguished Alumni Award
When J. Phenise Poole (’95) joined College of Communication and Information students during their global programs trip to Dublin, Ireland, this past summer, she was very excited when CCI Dean Joe Mazer said that the next Donald G. Hileman Distinguished Alumni Award winner was in the room. Phone in hand with the camera ready to…
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MSIS Alumna Publishes Third Edition of Her Book, Winning Grants, with the American Library Association (ALA)
Stephanie Gerding (‘93,‘97) considers herself a person who is 100-percent committed to the success of librarians. She spent the past several decades ensuring librarians have the resources they need to create a thriving environment within their communities. Gerding spent half her time growing up in Tennessee and the other half in California. When it was…
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School Of Journalism and Media Alumni, Faculty Celebrate Broadcasting Awards Together
School of Journalism and Media alumni and faculty won several awards at the 2024 Tennessee Association of Broadcasters Awards in August. Pictured from the left are: alumna Caroline Mueller (’24), Assistant Professor of Practice Brittany Tarwater (’09), and alumna Nicki Marker (’24). with their trophies. Alumna Nicki Marker (‘24) was leaving the stage at the…
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Tombras School Students Get the Chance to Learn from Industry Professionals at PRSA Southeast District Conference
The Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations was proud to be an Education Sponsor for the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Southeast District Conference along with Western Carolina University. The three-day conference was held at the UT Conference Center in downtown Knoxville. PRSA Volunteer Chapter along with the Public Relations Student Society of…