School of Communication Studies

TV Producer James Glover Makes an Impact with Annual Giving

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When James Glover (’00) was a speech communication major at the College of Communication and Information, he had no idea that one day he’d work for legendary Judge Judy of the eponymous court television show. But that’s exactly where he landed several years after he packed up his bags and moved from Knoxville to Los Angeles after graduating.

Discovering a Career

It all started with one small job posting in the career resources center at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, seeking someone to be a researcher and pull local court records for a court tv show in Burbank, Calif., to … Read more... “TV Producer James Glover Makes an Impact with Annual Giving”

Two CCI Schools Introduce Students First-Hand to Career Opportunities in DC

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Whether it was seeing U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders in the tunnels beneath the United States Capitol, touring the White House, or meeting with numerous College of Communication and Information alumni, students described a recent trip they took to Washington as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Aimed at introducing students to the careers they could pursue after graduating, the annual trip has been a mainstay for the School of Communication Studies and School of Journalism and Media for several years now. While the two schools had differing itineraries to fit the interests of their respective students—with the journalism and media cohort exploring various … Read more... “Two CCI Schools Introduce Students First-Hand to Career Opportunities in DC”

Honors Communication Studies Undergrad Student Takes First Place at Research Symposium

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When senior Isabella Mangano was settling on a major at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, she was immediately drawn to communication studies as the public speaking component suited her career aspirations to be a preacher or motivational speaker. As the semesters passed, she began to see the many career paths one could take with a major from the School of Communication Studies, and it made it all the more appealing to her.

“Once I started taking classes I learned what the discipline actually was and I just fell in love with it. I really enjoy communication studies as a discipline, … Read more... “Honors Communication Studies Undergrad Student Takes First Place at Research Symposium”

Communication Studies Alumna and Restaurant Owner Anna Myint is a 2024 Volunteer 40 Under 40

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Anna Myint (‘08) owns and manages International Market, a business her parents opened in Nashville in 1975—the first Thai restaurant and market ever in the city. It has introduced Thai cuisine to generations of Nashvillians and, after closing the old relocation and opening a new one, landed on Southern Living’s The South’s Best New Restaurants of 2023. Her leadership in building the new location and pulling her brother, Arnold Myint, in as its chef, as well as her involvement in various community efforts, are just a few reasons she landed on her own lauded list: the 2024 Volunteer 40 … Read more... “Communication Studies Alumna and Restaurant Owner Anna Myint is a 2024 Volunteer 40 Under 40”

Comm Studies Alum John Tupps Comes Home to Knoxville and Lands on the Volunteer 40 Under 40 

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Caption: John Tupps, right, works as communication director for then-Florida Governor Rick Scott as they respond to storm damage in Pensacola in 2014. 

School of Communication Studies alumnus John Tupps (’07) always knew that he’d pursue his higher education at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Even though he was an Army brat who spent the first 11 years of his life in Germany, Belgium, and Maryland, Knoxville held a special place in his heart as home since so  much of his family resides in the city. He and his wife, Emily, and their two daughters moved back to Knoxville in … Read more... “Comm Studies Alum John Tupps Comes Home to Knoxville and Lands on the Volunteer 40 Under 40 ”

Communication Studies’ Emily Paskewitz Part of Grant Team Supporting Family Dairy Farmers

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When Associate Professor Emily Paskewitz was writing her dissertation, she often called up her father as often as she did her advisor to see if the theory she was applying to her topic made sense. Her father isn’t an academic in communication studies, as Paskewitz is, but he is a dairy farmer and her dissertation centered on how families operating dairy farms communicate and deal with conflict. 

“I grew up on a dairy farm, that is my heart. The farm girl in me is a big part of my identity. So, to use the knowledge and skills I have in … Read more... “Communication Studies’ Emily Paskewitz Part of Grant Team Supporting Family Dairy Farmers”

Graduate Alumna Astrid Sheil Awarded Fulbright Scholarship

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When Astrid Sheil (’01, ’04) started the master’s program at the College of Communication and Information, she brought with her a wealth of experience and knowledge earned through working in the business world, including at two Fortune 500 companies and Knoxville’s own Busch Brothers. Her expertise has always been communication, but she has an ability to step back and see connections and opportunities in a way that makes her a natural leader.

“She will talk about herself as a teacher first, and I don’t see her as a teacher first, though her teaching is excellent. She’s a builder. She’ll go … Read more... “Graduate Alumna Astrid Sheil Awarded Fulbright Scholarship”

Alumni Eric and Tyra Haag Embrace the Volunteer Spirit in Their Work and Beyond

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There are Vols For Life and then there are spouses Eric (’03, ’04) and Tyra Tucker (’04) Haag, who, along with their three children, sleep, eat, and breathe Tennessee orange. While Tyra is an inductee into the Big Orange fandom, Eric was the one who pulled her into the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, fold. Both graduated from the College of Communication and Information, and now, both have established high-level careers at UT. 

Eric is the executive director of alumni relations for UT’s Office of Alumni Relations, and Tyra is the director of news and information in UT’s Office of Communications … Read more... “Alumni Eric and Tyra Haag Embrace the Volunteer Spirit in Their Work and Beyond”

Alumni Assist with CCI’s Annual Career Fair

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It was an internship that led to Pam Schmidt’s current job at MP&F, where she’s worked for a total of 25 years since she graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. It’s no wonder that, as director of human resources and talent development, she’s an avid proponent of students getting internship experience before they graduate.

“There’s only so much you can learn in school. The best way to learn what this industry is really like is by getting out there and getting hands-on experience in real-world settings, which is why I feel so strongly about internships and about our intern … Read more... “Alumni Assist with CCI’s Annual Career Fair”

Four Fellows Named for CCI’s Information Integrity Institute

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Four inaugural Information Integrity Institute fellows have been selected from among the faculty at the College of Communication and Information, one from each school and all of whom are already conducting research that falls under the institute’s scope:

  • Professor Mariea Hoy, Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations
  • Associate Professor Mike Kotowski, School of Communication Studies
  • Assistant Professor Ben Horne, School of Information Sciences
  • Assistant Professor Martin Riedl, School of Journalism and Media

“I wanted to have representation from the schools and also a mixture of rank from full professor, associate professor, and assistant professor. They’re all involved in research … Read more... “Four Fellows Named for CCI’s Information Integrity Institute”