“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”

Just as new School of Information Sciences Professor and Director Abebe Rorissa stepped into his role July 1, 2021, it was announced that he was elected to be president of the Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T). Rorissa’s biography and position statement can be viewed here on the ASIS&T site.

He has been heavily involved with the organization for many years and looks forward to working on the initiatives and strategic plan that ASIS&T has outlined for coming years. Rorissa particularly is interested in making justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion a priority in the work the organization does.… Read more “SIS Director Rorissa Voted President-Elect of ASIS&T”

After being inspired by his wife simultaneously working and earning her Master’s degree, Scott Sikes looked to Rocky Top for his return to higher education. He earned his Master’s degree in Information Sciences in 2018 and recently completed his PhD with a concentration in Information Sciences in 2021.

He successfully defended his dissertation, “In Our Very Blood: The Use of Social Media in the 2018 West Virginia Teachers’ Strike.”

What made you decide to pursue your masters degree and PhD at UT? What made you decide to go back to school?

When I was looking at graduate programs, the … Read more “Q&A with PhD Graduate Scott Sikes”

“Serving as the Director of the School of Information Sciences at the University of Tennessee is my greatest honor and privilege,” Rorissa said. “We are a leading iSchool with excellent students, world-class faculty, highly qualified and dedicated staff, and alumni who are leaders in the field. Building on the strong foundation laid by … Read more “Abebe Rorissa to Lead School of Information Sciences”

Read Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor John Zomchick’s letter about Kelly’s appointment.

Chancellor’s Professor and Board of Visitors Professor Carol Tenopir will serve as interim director of the School of … Read more “Kelly Named UT Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs; Tenopir Named Interim SIS Director”

Ed Cortez, professor emeritus and former director of the School of Information Sciences in the College of Communication and Information, died on Saturday October 6, 2018 at his home in Tucson, Arizona (see his obituary below).
“Ed was a champion of the information sciences profession and dedicated to supporting the next generation of leaders,” said Mike Wirth, dean of the College of Communication and Information. “He played an important role in leading the School of Information Sciences and in guiding its integration into the college. He will be greatly missed!”

Edwin Michael Cortez Obituary
(1951 – 2018)
Dr. Edwin M. … Read more “Information Sciences Former Director Ed Cortez Dies at Sixty-six”

Juniper Starr, a master’s student in information sciences, is helping to preserve the history of African-Americans in Appalachia.
Her work will be part of the East Tennessee PBS digital series Black in Appalachia. The project’s goal is to highlight the history of African-Americans in the development of the mountain South and its culture by collecting materials and narratives, engaging with the public and holding exhibitions.
After researching her own family history, Starr realized how much information is lost because people often don’t believe their stories are worth telling. So when the opportunity arose to work on this project, she … Read more “UT Grad Student Helps Community While Working on PBS’s Black in Appalachia”

Diane Kelly, an internationally known information sciences scholar, is the new director of the University of Tennessee School of Information Sciences (SIS). She begins on August 8.
Kelly comes from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she was a professor in the School of Information and Library Science. Her research and teaching interests focus on interactive information search and retrieval, information search behavior, and research methods.
“Diane Kelly, one of the world’s leading experts with respect to user evaluation of information retrieval systems, is an outstanding scholar/teacher, and we are excited to have her join us as … Read more “Kelly is New Director of School of Information Sciences”

Associate Professor and Associate Director Suzie Allard (SIS) has been selected as the recipient of the 2013 Library Journal Teaching Award (see press release below and the Library Journal’s feature story on Allard).
“The LJ Teaching Award is presented annually by Library Journal and ProQuest and is one of the most prestigious national awards in the field of library and information sciences,” said Dean Mike Wirth. “This is a wonderful honor!”

Library Journal Names Dr. Suzie Allard as Recipient of the 2013 LJ Teaching Award
ProQuest sponsored award recognizes University of Tennessee Educator

NEW YORK – November 14, 2013 … Read more “Allard Recipient of National 2013 LJ Teaching Award”