School of Communication Studies

Kaitlin Harty

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Kaitlin Harty is a senior Communication Studies major from Salisbury, Massachusetts and will be attending Boston University in the fall for a Master’s of Science in Public Relations.
Kaitlin began her journey on Rocky Top after transferring here from The University of Texas, at Austin, her Junior year. Since then, she has excelled in her academics through her outstanding work ethic and has consequently qualified herself for the status of magna cum laude on the dean’s list each semester. On top of this, Harty was also honored by being named as a 2019-2020 First-Year SEC Academic Honor Roll student.

Student Spotlight – Anna Franklin

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Anna Franklin is from Strawberry Plains, TN majoring in Communication Studies with a Geography minor.
“My involvements on campus include serving as an Honors Ambassador, being a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, and conducting independent research on severe weather preparedness on campus. After graduation, I will be launching my own preparedness initiative with the release of my books and homeschool curriculum. I hope to continue researching my prototype “Plain Language” weather alert as well. I may also return to UTK to pursue a MS in Communication. I have loved all the connections I’ve made in CMST … Read more... “Student Spotlight – Anna Franklin”

Hannah Dimon

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Hannah Dimon is a senior Communication Studies major with a minor in Tourism and Hospitality Management from Horseheads, New York.
“Upon my arrival at UTK, I was unsure what I wanted my future to entail after graduation. However, I quickly realized that Communication Studies was the right start. During my time as a CMST student, I have met some of the greatest professors and immersed myself in various courses that have all shaped me into who I am today.
Throughout my time at The University of Tennessee, I have been involved in Sigma Kappa Sorority, where I volunteered and
… Read more... “Hannah Dimon”

McKenzie Patterson

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McKenzie Patterson is passionate about helping others and assisting individuals with financial needs. She also enjoys expanding her knowledge and working towards specific goals. She is determined to expand her career path and network through education and personal experience. McKenzie said she thrives best in solo projects but is also able to progress and push for achievement in group settings. She is a senior Communication Studies and Business Administration student, where she learned to balance a demanding course load and extracurricular activities while growing her network.

“While in the sorority Delta Zeta the extracurricular activities I did included working … Read more... “McKenzie Patterson”

Olivia Forsythe-Senior Spotlight

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Olivia Forsythe is a senior Communication Studies major with a minor in Tourism and Hospitality Management from Memphis, Tennessee.
“What brought me to UTK 3 years ago was the overwhelming amount of school pride that made this university feel like a tight-knit family. To be 6 hours away from my home, the university has become my home away from home, and has welcomed me with open arms from the minute I stepped onto campus.
Beginning college, I was unsure who I wanted to become in my 4 years or where I wanted my path to lead following graduation. After
… Read more... “Olivia Forsythe-Senior Spotlight”

Student Spotlight-Daniel Sassone

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My name is Daniel Mark Sassone, I’m from Easton, Pennsylvania. I spent 13 years on Active Duty with the United States Army as a Military Policeman, I finished another two years on inactive duty and completed my official retirement on 15 April 2020. I enrolled at the University of Tennessee for the Fall 2018 semester as a Journalism and Electronic Media major and then transitioned in Spring of 2019 to Communication Studies. During my time as a student at the University of Tennessee I was involved in TNJN (Tennessee Journalist), TorchlightUTK, NCSC and SALUTE honor societies. I’m an active member … Read more... “Student Spotlight-Daniel Sassone”

Vikesh Desai-Student Spotlight

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Vikesh Desai is a transfer student from Tanzania, East Africa, and also lived in India for 6 years where he was attending school for his Bachelors in Electronics and Communications Engineering. “Three years ago when I got the opportunity to come to the United States to start a new life, I did not give it a second thought and hoped on the plane.”
Having lived in 3 different continents with different cultures, Vikesh is fluent in 4 different languages; English, Swahili, Hindi and Gujarati. “The Communications Studies major at UTK grabbed my attention when I first got to the United
… Read more... “Vikesh Desai-Student Spotlight”

Student Spotlight-Gabriel Kamolnick

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Gabrielle, a senior in Communication Studies, has attributed her colorful academic journey to “an expertise in life skills.” As an Eastern Tennessee native, she started at East Tennessee State University to navigate psychology, philosophy, and interior design. After her move to Knoxville in 2018, she was accepted into University of Tennessee and found her trifecta of interests within Communication Studies. Gabrielle is a recipient of the certificate for “Extraordinary Professional Promise” presented by the Honors College. She studied abroad in Northeastern Spain, which enlivened her adoration for European culture and equipped her with exceptional nonverbal communication skills. With a vigor … Read more... “Student Spotlight-Gabriel Kamolnick”

Hannah Riddle

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“As a first generation college student, I came to UT overwhelmingly nervous, excited, and anxious to experience the opportunities the next four years would present. Beginning college without a career objective or deliberate path forward, a conversation with a friend’s mom who works in corporate events in Nashville led me to the Communication Studies program, and the range of interests and options in our college solidified my decision to pursue communication.
This major has encouraged me to explore my newly elevated skills far beyond the classroom. I have studied intercultural communication in Dublin, Ireland, gained professional experience through internships
… Read more... “Hannah Riddle”