Creating inclusive design has risen to the forefront of conversation in advertising and other fields, and the timing couldn’t be better for Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations master’s alumnus Josh Loebner (’99). Loebner recently landed a role he calls a dream job: global head of inclusive design for international marketing communications agency Wunderman Thompson. It’s a position he has worked towards for the past 23 years by developing skills and interests at various jobs, as well as by attaining his PhD in rhetoric, communication, and information design from Clemson University. 

Loebner’s initial route to advertising was, as … Read more “ADPR Alumnus Loebner Hired as Global Head of Inclusive Design at Wunderman Thompson”

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”

“The need for systemic transformation in higher education requires a change in
mindset from the traditional approach to teaching and learning, to an inclusive and universally accessible one. How do we get there?” asked Kevin Mallary (’22), who recently earned his PhD from the College of Communication and Information by successfully defending a dissertation that asked this very question.

Mallary’s dissertation, “Investigating Higher Education Institutions’ Influence on the Everyday Information Practices of Students with Autism,” recently earned him the inaugural Commission for Disability Graduate Student Award; the award is given to someone who is a “champion for support … Read more “PhD Alum Aims to Change Academia’s Approach to Inclusive, Accessible Learning”

This new position aligns with goal three of the University’s strategic vision, by developing and sustaining a nurturing culture where diversity and community are enduring sources of strength. As director, Singh will be responsible for the overall administration of the CCI Diversity Action Plan (DAP) and serve as a resource to … Read more “CCI Appoints First Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion”

School of Journalism and Electronic Media associate professor and director of Land Grant Films Nick Geidner won two national Telly Awards for social videos he produced during the pandemic.

“I’m really excited about these awards, because we were really limited in what we were able to safely produce during the work-at-home period of the pandemic,” Geidner said. “So to have some of that work — produced under such limitations — awarded is really an honor.”

Geidner won a Silver Telly in the social-news and informational category for an explainer video he created about the FDA’s emergency use authorization process. The … Read more “Geidner Wins Two National Tellys ”

Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations alumnus Matthew (Matt) Dirsa was a man of many interests—he loved outdoor activities such as rock climbing, golf, and snowboarding, but he and his friends also taught themselves how to knit stocking caps and he trained to be a sushi chef.

“He wasn’t afraid to try anything and when he passed, it was amazing the number of people who contacted me. I had no idea he knew that many people, he was a special man,” said Melinda Gathers, Dirsa’s mother.

Dirsa had worked in advertising positions in New York and China when he … Read more “ADPR Alum Matt Dirsa’s Legacy Lives on Through Scholarship and Award Established by His Family”

Getting this scholarship meant a trip to Washington, D.C. to participate in a scholarship luncheon, as well as the annual White House Correspondents’ dinner, … Read more “First-Gen JEM Student Lexie Martin Awarded White House Correspondents’ Association Scholarship”

“When I think back 27 years, on the one hand I feel like I woke up this morning and I’m almost back in ‘95, it doesn’t feel like 27 years have passed; but … Read more “Celebrating 27 Years of John Haas’ Leadership at the School of Communication Studies”

Dr. Candace White, DeForrest Jackson Professor in the Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations Candace joined the faculty in August 1994. She has served ADPR, CCI, UT, and the field tirelessly as President of Faculty Senate, Member of the UT Board of Trustees, and many other top leadership roles. Candace was one of few public relations professors for many years, and has steadfastly … Read more “CCI Recognizes 2022 Retirees and Award Winners”

“The awards that Joy and Guy individually … Read more “JEM Faculty Research Earns Two Prestigious Awards”