Impact Stories
-
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…
-
SIS Recognizes 2025 Student, Faculty, and Alumni Award Winners
The School of Information Sciences recently held its Spring 2025 Awards Reception, honoring the outstanding achievements of students and alumni in both the bachelor’s and master’s programs, along with its faculty. Surrounded by family, friends, faculty, and staff, recipients were celebrated for their academic excellence, service, innovation, and impactful contributions to the SIS community. The…
-
SIS Graduate Reflects on Lessons, Growth, and What’s Next
Graduating senior and information sciences major Jenna Muetterties’ interest in web design and information technology began at a young age. “I remember always auditing different websites and seeing how they could be improved. I came to UT and discovered they had a UX design concentration, which was perfect for my skills and interests,” she stated.…
-
Spring 2025 Shelton Group Fellow Ashlyn Miller Heads to New York, Fueled by College Opportunities and Hard Work
From sports to sustainability, Ashlyn Miller is spending her senior year building a diverse background in public relations and communications. This semester, Miller was awarded the Shelton Group Fellowship, which is granted to one senior during the spring semester at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s College of Communication and Information. The fellowship includes a $2,500…
-
How CCI’s MSIS Program Helped Joseph Edgerton Launch a Fulfilling Career
After Joseph Edgerton graduates with his Master of Science in Information Sciences this May, he will begin his new role as a research data management librarian at the University of Virginia. His journey to this position was unexpected, but his experiences along the way helped him discover his true passions. “It feels really accepting and…
-
Graduating Senior Addison Lafayette Found Confidence & Impactful Opportunities at CCI
There have been many impactful moments in and out of the classrooms at the College of Communication and Information for Addison Lafayette, who is majoring in communication studies. Whether she was learning how to refine her public speaking skills, making new friends, going on networking trips around the country, or sitting in a class taught…
-
Communication Studies Launches Inaugural Atlanta Networking Trip for Students
Even though junior Sydney Eyerly has five domestic trips and one study abroad trip with the School of Communication Studies under her belt, she was still blown away by her experience during the school’s newest student trip destination: Atlanta. Eyerly said learning about career options from professionals and networking with alumni in the Georgia metropolis…
-
Alan and Wendy Wilson Communication and Leadership Academy Dedicated
The Alan and Wendy Wilson Communication and Leadership Academy, which will kick-off its inaugural year this fall, was dedicated April 11, 2025, in Circle Park. Along with several notable University of Tennessee, Knoxville, administrators and faculty, the event was also attended by students from the inaugural cohort of the Wilson Academy and media outlets that…
-
SIS Strengthening Connections and Bringing the Volunteer Spirit to TNLA Conference
The Tennessee Library Association (TNLA) Conference was held this year at the Chattanooga Convention Center in downtown Chattanooga. TNLA is a professional organization dedicated to supporting librarians and library staff throughout Tennessee. Its mission is to promote quality library services, collaborate with related agencies, and support its members. Founded in 1902, TNLA is headquartered in…
-
MSIS Student Ginny Edwards is Changing Lives through Volunteering on Awards Committees
When Ginny Edwards started to volunteer on different award committees, she didn’t think her vote could change the course of an author’s life. Edwards is currently pursuing her master’s degree in information sciences while working full-time as a children’s and teen librarian at Irondale Public Library in Irondale, Alabama. Her love for libraries began when…