Impact Stories
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Rachel Fleming-May Associate Professor: Empowering Students and Alumni
Associate Professor Rachel Fleming-May’s passion for libraries didn’t originate from a family member or a past teacher; rather, it was inspired by a comic series she loved during her childhood. “If I’m being completely honest, I idolized Batgirl as a child. I watched Batgirl on the old Batman television series after school. Barbara Gordon, who…
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Matthew Pittman: Influencing Social Media Education at the Tombras School
Associate Professor Matthew Pittman is recognized worldwide for his innovative approach to social media influence due to his viral videos that have reached upwards of 400 million views. He captures his audience’s attention in unique ways, such as dancing in class with college deans and school directors at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Pittman also…
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Tombras School Celebrates 30 Years of Networking Trips to New York City
For 30 years, the Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations has provided students with invaluable networking trips to New York City. These experiences offer opportunities to connect with industry professionals and include tours of various agencies and departments. This year, 40 students—20 each from advertising and public relations—visited notable companies including Goodby, Silverstein and…
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Tombras School Student and Staff Member receive PRSA Volunteer Chapter Communicator of the Year Awards
The Public Relations Society of America’s (PRSA) Volunteer Chapter recently celebrated three individuals who were honored as Communicators of the Year. PRSA is a leading professional organization that serves the communications community, with a network of more than 400 professional and student chapters. Assistant Professor of Practice Joseph Stabb, Ph.D., APR is the president of…
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Master’s Student Lindsay DeVore Credits Tombras School for Professional Development Journey
Lindsay DeVore pursued her undergraduate degree in business administration with an emphasis on marketing at a private university. After graduating during the COVID-19 pandemic, she quickly realized she lacked the industry experience most employers desire. As her job search proved more challenging than anticipated, DeVore decided to further her education by enrolling in a master’s…
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Tombras School Partners with Knoxville Parks and Recreation for Social Media Analytics Course
The City of Knoxville and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, have partnered on various projects that provide students with valuable real-world experience and opportunities to engage with the local community. Recently, students in the Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations’ Social Media Analytics course, led by Assistant Professor of Practice Joe Stabb, conducted an…
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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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Jeremiah King’s Making the World into His Classroom Through Practicum at the Lenior City Library
Jeremiah King is a dedicated student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, who recently completed a practicum experience at the Lenoir City Public Library. He has made significant contributions to the library and its community, particularly by focusing on expanding services for Spanish-speaking residents. King is in his second year of the Master of Science…
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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…