Faculty News
New CCI Information Integrity Institute Will Nurture Interdisciplinary Research
“In today’s society, we are constantly bombarded by an information tidal wave. It’s difficult for people to know what is good information, and what is harmful. Our individual and our community well-being depends on people finding trustworthy information,” said Suzie Allard, Chancellor’s Professor of Information Sciences.
Allard, who is also the CCI associate dean for research and director of the Research and Innovation Center, led CCI faculty in brainstorming sessions to identify “research affinity groupings,” and it became apparent there was an opportunity to better facilitate research in one area with many varied aspects: information. Out of this was born … Read more “New CCI Information Integrity Institute Will Nurture Interdisciplinary Research ”
Knoxville News Anchor Beth Haynes Reflects on 20 Years at WBIR-TV
For the last 20 years, Beth Haynes (’98) has elevated the people, stories, and community of Knoxville through her platform as a news anchor at WBIR-TV. Haynes has an aptitude for looking at a topic or issue and seeing the people first, and handling even the most difficult stories with deep compassion and respect. Recently, the long-time journalist announced she was leaving her position at the station to spend more time with her family, and to explore new pursuits in her career.
“I love being an advocate in this community. We would see first-hand the real need, the issues, and … Read more “Knoxville News Anchor Beth Haynes Reflects on 20 Years at WBIR-TV”
Tombras School Hires María De Moya for DEI-centered Professorship
Throughout her career in academia, María De Moya has sought opportunities to contribute to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives as an advocate for those under-represented in higher education. As she served in those roles, it became clear to De Moya that she wanted DEI to be the center of her career, so she began searching for a job to fit that passion. When she saw an open position for the newly created Charles Tombras, Sr. Endowed Professorship at the Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations, she knew she had found the right fit for her goals.
“I … Read more “Tombras School Hires María De Moya for DEI-centered Professorship ”
CCI Faculty, Students Participate at National Communication Association Convention
Several College of Communication and Information faculty and graduate students are participating in the National Communication Association’s 108th Annual Convention this week by presenting papers, sitting on panels, and much more. Besides opportunities to expand professional development and learning, the convention also provides a chance for attendees to connect with other academics in the communication fields as well as with CCI alumni, said School of Communication Studies Associate Professor Michelle Violanti.
Violanti has a whole roster of events in which she will be participating and presenting, including a special presentation centering on one of her passions: accessibility. This presentation, … Read more “CCI Faculty, Students Participate at National Communication Association Convention”
Oral History Project Will Bring Hispanic Journalists’ Voices to the Table
Diversity, equity, and inclusion should be woven throughout every aspect of academia, whether that is the people themselves, curriculum, or research. This is the purpose of Goal 3 in the College of Communication and Information’s Strategic Plan, which seeks to “Progress and sustain a nurturing college culture where diversity, equity, inclusion, and community are enduring sources of strength and core tenets in developing the next generation of Vols.”
Developing DEI expertise in everything CCI faculty, staff, and students do is critical to the college’s future, said Professor Vandana Singh, who is CCI’s director of diversity, equity, and inclusion. That’s … Read more “Oral History Project Will Bring Hispanic Journalists’ Voices to the Table”
SIS Teams Up with 4-H, UTIA, to Improve Digital Literacy in Rural Tennessee
Excellent scholarship and research is one of the core components of any Research 1 institution, and that has been a driving force behind the work of both faculty and students at the College of Communication and Information. But there is always room to grow, improve, and expand the scope of what is done, which is what Goal 2 of CCI’s Strategic Plan sets out to do. This goal emphasizes the impact and interdisciplinary nature of the type of research that should be done in the college, with an aim to create “a more just, prosperous, and sustainable future.”
One such … Read more “SIS Teams Up with 4-H, UTIA, to Improve Digital Literacy in Rural Tennessee”
CCI Welcomes 12 New Faculty Members in Fall 2022
The College of Communication and Information is welcoming 12 new faculty members to its ranks this fall to support its growing student body. These faculty members bring a wealth of expertise and experience to CCI’s four schools and will help CCI to continue achieving its mission and fulfill the goals in its five-year strategic plan. Here’s a little bit more about each of CCI’s new faculty members:
Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations
Assistant Professor Minjie Li
Li brings a passion for social justice issues in advertising to his work, and his research is in the areas of multicultural … Read more “CCI Welcomes 12 New Faculty Members in Fall 2022”
Faizer Given Alumni Outstanding Teacher Award
Melanie Faizer, senior lecturer for the School of Journalism and Electronic Media, said teaching is not her first career but it is the one that suits her the most. So it is fitting that, after a decade of lecturing for JEM, she was recently given the Alumni Outstanding Teacher Award by the University of Tennessee Alumni Association. She is among a handful recipients across the University of Tennessee System who received such an award, which is given based on nominations from faculty and staff, alumni, and students.
“It’s really nice to get an award like this, at this time, … Read more “Faizer Given Alumni Outstanding Teacher Award”
In Memoriam: Dr. James Crook
Dr. James Crook, distinguished journalism educator and director emeritus of the School of Journalism & Electronic Media, passed away on April 30.
Dr. Crook graduated from Floyd High School in 1958 and earned his bachelor and master degrees at the School of Journalism at the University of Iowa in 1961 and 1963.
He earned a Ph.D. in mass communication and education at Iowa State University in 1973, focusing on educational public relations and media literacy. Dr. Crook accepted appointment as associate professor in the University of Tennessee School of Journalism in 1974 and was promoted to director of the school … Read more “In Memoriam: Dr. James Crook”
Advertising Research Productivity Ranked Fourth Nationally
The School of Advertising and Public Relations is tied for fourth nationally and eighth globally for advertising research productivity in a recent study published by the Journal of Business Research.
The study examined visibility in journals articles on advertising from 2008-2019, primarily focused on the three prominent U.S.-based advertising journals (Journal of Advertising, Journal of Advertising Research, and Journal of Current Issues and Research in Advertising) as well as advertising-focused research in communications, marketing, business, and broader interdisciplinary academic journals.
The ranking supports the university administration’s priorities of increased visibility of campus research in top-tier journals and having more … Read more “Advertising Research Productivity Ranked Fourth Nationally”