Kristen Gallant

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…
UT’s MSIS Program Ranks 13th Among Public Institutions Nationally in U.S. News & World Report Rankings

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s School of Information Sciences master’s program has been ranked 13th in the nation among public universities by U.S. News and World Report. This is a significant achievement for the university, the College of Communication and Information (CCI), and the School of Information Sciences (SIS). These rankings highlight the growing strength…
Jessi Hudgins is Soaring High in Information Sciences and Skydiving at UT

Jessi Hudgins is reaching new heights as she launches a student organization on campus. A senior at the School of Information Sciences, Hudgins is double-majoring in data science and information sciences, concentrating on data, information management, and analytics. She is currently the president of the ParaVOLS skydiving club and aims to attract adrenaline enthusiasts and…
Javonya Valcourt: Academic Achiever, Athlete, and Information Sciences Student

From being one of the fastest runners in the Bahamas to competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Javonya Valcourt is an exceptional track and field athlete and a dedicated junior studying information sciences at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Originally from the Bahamas, Valcourt’s journey took her to the United States, where she attended high…
Rachel Fleming-May Associate Professor: Empowering Students and Alumni

Associate Professor Rachel Fleming-May’s passion for libraries didn’t originate from a family member or a past teacher; rather, it was inspired by a comic series she loved during her childhood. “If I’m being completely honest, I idolized Batgirl as a child. I watched Batgirl on the old Batman television series after school. Barbara Gordon, who…
From SIS Alumnus to Cichlid Enthusiast

Scott Wells (’89, ’96, ’13) is a proud alumnus of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he serves as the chief of staff for the Min H. Kao Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. He has earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD from UT. Wells graduated with his master’s degree in information sciences in…
Frankie Perry is Advancing Her Career Graduating with her Second Master’s in Information Sciences

Frankie Perry (’24) enjoys her role in the circulation department of the University of Memphis Ned McWherter Libraries. She has worked for the University of Memphis for over 30 years, spending the last 20 years in the library. However, until recently, she did not have a degree in information sciences. “I’ve been assisting the librarian…
Jeremiah King’s Making the World into His Classroom Through Practicum at the Lenior City Library

Jeremiah King is a dedicated student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, who recently completed a practicum experience at the Lenoir City Public Library. He has made significant contributions to the library and its community, particularly by focusing on expanding services for Spanish-speaking residents. King is in his second year of the Master of Science…
SIS Alumnus Danny Hussey is Leading the Technological Renaissance at Sanibel Public Library

Off the coast of southwest Florida lies a vacationer’s paradise that doesn’t require a passport: Sanibel Island. This quaint island is roughly twelve miles long and is surrounded by pristine beaches. The local population is small yet dedicated, with a strong focus on conservation efforts and public services. One essential service on the island is…
MSIS Alumna Publishes Third Edition of Her Book, Winning Grants, with the American Library Association (ALA)

Stephanie Gerding (‘93,‘97) considers herself a person who is 100-percent committed to the success of librarians. She spent the past several decades ensuring librarians have the resources they need to create a thriving environment within their communities. Gerding spent half her time growing up in Tennessee and the other half in California. When it was…