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.
Applications for the 2027-2028 Wilson Academy cohort will open Oct. 1, 2026. Follow @utkwilsonacademy on Instagram for updates.
About the academy
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: educate current UT students on the importance of communication, and provide thought leadership by engaging industry professionals.
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.
Connect with industry professionals
Provide industry tours led by industry representatives and pair students with industry leaders for personal mentoring.
Engage in hands-on learning
Apply learning with real-world case studies related to communication and business through workshops and a service project.
Grow as global leaders
Introduce students to global perspectives through an annual global leadership and professional development trip.
It’s single-handedly the biggest opportunity I’ve had at UT. Being with this cohort has made me better in a million ways. I think that the marriage between communication and business is so crucial today. It’s a phenomenal opportunity. I don’t know if there’s another one like it on campus.”
Katie Tolene
2025-2026 Wilson Academy cohort memberHaslam College of Business
Alan and Wendy Wilson Communication and Leadership Academy 2026-2027 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. Each member of the cohort receives a scholarship up to $2,000.
View past Wilson Academy cohorts
Christela Bosco
Finance and Management
Abby Brady
Business Analytics and Marketing
Abbey Busic
Advertising and Communication Studies
Gabby Chen
Supply Chain Management
Caden Dyer
Public Relations
Chandler Forbes
Economics, International Business
Julianna Hanson
Business Analytics
Darius Jackson
Marketing
Sarah-Nicole Jackson
Journalism and Media
Olivia Lee
Journalism and Media
Caitlin Maher
Management, Accounting
Arina Malancea
Economics, International Business
Madeline McNeely
Public Relations
Sydney Meigs
Public Relations, Religious Studies
Reagan Murphy
Journalism & Media, Political Science
Sarah Portanka
Journalism and Media
Varahi Prashant
Business Analytics, Marketing
Josiah Rushing
Public Relations
Aiden Starcher
Information Sciences
Tess Valkovschi
Marketing
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, Director of the Alan & Wendy Wilson Communication & Leadership Academy
Amanda Yother
Director of Student Recruitment and Engagement
