Alan and Wendy Wilson Communication and 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 2025-2026 cohort is underway. The application deadline is December 16, 2024.
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 recruitment for the inaugural cohort beginning fall 2024 with plans for a targeted launch in fall 2025.
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.
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
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.
We’re here to help!
Please contact the Alan and Wendy Wilson Communication and Leadership Academy at wilsonacademy@utk.edu.
Guy Harrison
Assistant Professor and Director of the Alan and Wendy Wilson Communication and Leadership Academy
865-974-4291
