Student Experience Stories
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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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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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Alum, WUOT Reporter Pierce Gentry Wins 2nd in Hearst Journalism National Competition
Pierce Gentry, far left, with the other contestants in the Audio category at the Hearst Journalism National Championship. As Pierce Gentry (‘25) walked through San Francisco in early June, he soaked in the colorful sights of the largest Chinatown in the world outside of China, but what he really focused on were the people and…
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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…
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WUOT Shines at ETSPJ Golden Press Card Awards
WUOT 91.9 FM’s focus on growing its local coverage as East Tennessee’s NPR station was validated with a slew of first-place awards won by its news team at the recent East Tennessee Society of Professional Journalist’s Golden Press Card Awards, notably winning the top Golden Press Award in the All Media category for its continuing…
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Students, Faculty Dominate at ETSPJ Golden Press Card Awards
Students and faculty from the College of Communication and Information took home top awards in several categories at the East Tennessee Society of Professional Journalists’ Golden Press Card Awards, including a significant second-place award that has previously never been given to student work: the Horace V. Wells Jr. Community Service Award. This award is given…
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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.…
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Torchbearer Rylie West Graduates with Master’s, Aiming to Enter Sports Broadcasting
After four years of devoting every spare moment she had to the Lady Vols softball team, this past year of focusing solely on academics gave graduating master’s student Rylie West the chance to dive deeper into her studies and gain even more real-world experience in journalism and media. West graduated this semester after completing the…
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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…
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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…