School of Communication Studies

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”

Student Spotlight – Ella Anderson

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Ella Anderson is from Memphis, TN. Ella majored in Communication Studies and is a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority.
“UT and the School of Communication Studies has provided me with countless opportunities and equipped me with many skills. I have also been involved in the CMST Club and the Spanish club. Throughout my four years in the School of Communication Studies I have learned so much not only about communication, but also about myself as an individual.

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”