Alan and Wendy Wilson
Communication & Leadership Academy
The Alan and Wendy Wilson Communication and Leadership Academy serves as a hub for thought leadership and talent development, integrating academic excellence with real-world experience.
In collaboration with the Haslam College of Business, the Wilson Academy combines industry-focused leadership development opportunities with hands-on learning experiences, enabling students to explore the intersections between communication and business.
Recruitment for the 2026-2027 cohort is underway. The deadline to apply is 5 pm on Monday, December 15.
Creating thought leaders
Established in fall 2024, the Alan and Wendy Wilson Communication and Leadership Academy was created to foster leadership in University of Tennessee, Knoxville, students desiring to build strong skill sets in communication and business. Every year, a cohort of students will be selected for the Wilson Academy, with applications accepted in the fall and the cohort selected in the spring.
Countless industry leaders point to intentional, purposeful, and empathetic communication as integral components to personal and professional success. The Wilson Academy’s initiatives embody the Volunteer spirit of service and leadership as the university’s preeminent training ground for students and industry professionals. The flagship initiatives are designed to achieve the following: recruit middle/high school students to UT, educate current UT students on the importance of communication, and provide thought leadership by engaging industry professionals.
Apply to be part of the Alan and Wendy Wilson Academy Communication and Leadership Academy 2026-27 cohort
The Alan and Wendy Wilson Communication and Leadership Academy is now accepting applications for its 2026-27 cohort. The deadline to apply is 5 pm Monday, December 15, 2025.
Admission requirements
- A 3.0 minimum grade point average
- Must be a College of Communication and Information or Haslam College of Business major
- Must be a junior, senior, or master’s student in fall 2026 and must not graduate prior to May 2027
- Attendance at an invitation-only finalists’ reception in March 2026.
- A completed application
Benefits
- A scholarship of up to $2,000
- Exclusive access to monthly hands-on communication and leadership workshops
- Individualized mentorship from industry leaders and faculty experts
- A short-term global experience, with most expenses paid for, during the 2027 winter mini term
Save The Dates
Students can also learn more about the academy through upcoming interest meetings in both the Communication and Information Building (COM) and the Haslam Business Building (HBB) on the following dates:
- Monday, October 13, at 5 pm in COM 321
- Thursday, October 16, at 5 pm in HBB130
- Monday, November 10, at 5 pm in HBB 530
- Tuesday, November 11, at 5 pm in COM Room 321
Professor and Wilson Academy Director Guy Harrison is also hosting fall office hours on Mondays from 2-4 pm in the Student Services Building, Room 345.
For updates on the Wilson Academy application process, benefits, requirements, and programming follow on Instagram.
Alan and Wendy Wilson Communication and Leadership Academy 2025-2026 Cohort
The selection committee evaluates student applications based on academic excellence, campus and community engagement, proven leadership experience, professionalism, and the student’s potential to contribute to the mission of the Alan and Wendy Wilson Communication and Leadership Academy. Applications for the following year’s cohort will be accepted during the fall semester.
Kate Barber
Journalism and Media
Maddie Bell
Journalism and Media; Political Science
Alexius Brunson
Journalism and Media
Alex Carpenter
Journalism and Media
Kaleb Essa
Business Analytics
Sydney Eyerly
Communication Studies
Avantae Johnson
Finance
Eron Karameta
Finance
Abby Kom
Advertising
Alexis Lamb
Information Sciences
Tyler McGrath
Supply Chain Management
Ciara McMahon
Information Sciences
Kyler Misenheimer
Information Sciences
Olivia Roddy
Finance
Roman Stewart
Marketing; Finance
Abigail Tardy
Journalism and Media
Katie Tolene
Economics
Ethan Ward
Finance
Michael Weeks
Accounting; Finance
Kate Wigington
Marketing; Management
Wilson Academy initiatives
The Wilson Academy will offer innovative communication and leadership training to CCI and Haslam College of Business students. By fostering connections among industry professionals, students, and educators, the Academy will equip current and future Volunteers with essential leadership training and skill development, embodying the Volunteer spirit of service and leadership.
Competitive cohort
Feature an application process to select a highly competitive cohort of at least 20 students per year—an equal number from each college.
Hands-on learning
Apply learning with real-world case studies related to communication and business.
Critical thinking
Combine in-depth strategy and decision-making processes with leadership and communication skills.
Seminars
Host distinguished alumni and leadership seminars.
Industry exposure
Provide industry tours led by industry representatives.
Mentoring
Pair students with industry leaders for personal mentoring.
Making an impact
Alan Wilson (’80) and his wife, Wendy Wilson, have been long-time donors to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and they are continuing that tradition by giving $4.5 million to establish the Alan and Wendy Wilson Communication and Leadership Academy.
Alan Wilson served in the U.S. Army upon graduating from UT with a bachelor’s in communication, and after his service he worked at Procter & Gamble before moving on to McCormick and Company and working his way up to CEO. Wilson has embodied the Volunteer spirit over the years by giving his time to serve on various boards at UT, including on the Advisory Council to the Dean at the Haslam College of Business, as the inaugural president of the UT Knoxville Alumni Board, and as a trustee for the UT System. He is currently serving as chairman of the UT Alumni Foundation board.
Strong business skills are essential for communication professionals to succeed in their careers. Understanding business will help them excel and adapt to both changes in the industry and shifts in audience needs. The Wilson Academy will be instrumental in developing these skills for students.”
Alan Wilson (’80)
CCI Alum, Chairman of the UT Alumni Foundation Board, former CEO of McCormick and Company
We’re here to help!
Please contact the Alan and Wendy Wilson Communication and Leadership Academy at [email protected].
Guy Harrison
Associate Professor and Director of the Alan and Wendy Wilson Communication and Leadership Academy
865-974-4291
