Alumni News

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…
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…
Non-Traditional BSIS Student Finds Her Passion After Pursuing Second Degree

Catlin Rehders (’23) works as a financial intelligence analyst at Navy Federal. She completed her bachelor’s in information sciences in 2023 and now loves what she does for work, but that wasn’t always the case. Rehders describes herself as a non-traditional student as she did not find her true passion until seeking her second bachelor’s…
CCI Alum Gives $4.5 Million to Establish the Alan and Wendy Wilson Communication and Leadership Academy

Alan Wilson (’80) used communication skills he learned at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, every day of his storied business career, which culminated as Chairman and CEO of McCormick and Company. “The most important part of my job as CEO was communicating. I spent most of my time doing that, but leadership really is about…
School of Information Sciences Faculty and Incoming Student Present at the American Library Association Annual Conference in San Diego

Many School of Information Sciences faculty members, current students, and alumni traveled across the country from Tennessee to San Diego to attend the 2024 American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference and Exhibition. ALA prioritizes learning and ensuring access to information for all by providing resources to library systems across the country and by advocating for…
MSIS Alumna Shares How Advocating for Oneself Can Lead to Opportunities After Being Honored by YALSA

Ariel Birdoff (‘12) is an elementary school librarian who loves to read teen novels in her free time. Her father started his undergraduate at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and was a huge fan of the campus environment. The New York native remembers hearing about her father’s experience on campus when she was growing up.…
Alumni Honored at 2024 MSIS Hooding and Awards Ceremony

During the School of Information Sciences 2024 Hooding and Awards Ceremony, two alumni from the SIS master’s program were honored for their work in libraries and information sciences. Alice Faye Duncan (‘91) was awarded the SIS Distinguished Alumni Award and Isaiah West (‘14) was awarded the SIS Innovator’s Alumni Award. Distinguished Alumni Award Presented to…