Alumni News

Moore Family Creates Student Success Endowment for CCI

As someone whose job is to fundraise, Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations alumnus Lauren Moore (‘07, ‘09) understands how impactful a monetary gift can be for academic institutions. That’s why she and her husband, Elliott Moore, recently established the Moore Family Student Success Endowment to benefit undergraduate students at the College of Communication…
Alum Stephen Land Helps JEM Students Get Real-World Experience at Realscreen Summit

From left, the Journalism and Electronic Media students who attended the Realscreen Summit: Seth Reynolds, Sherry Ludington, Tara Down, Bryson Wright Every year, major buyers, production companies, and creators of unscripted and factual content gather at the Realscreen Summit to network, learn, and to find and elevate the next great idea. This year, four School of…
Chief Meteorologist and CCI Alum Heather Haley is a Volunteer 40 Under 40

Heather Haley (‘05) credits her journalism degree from the College of Communication and Information with making her a well-rounded meteorologist who understands the story behind the weather. “It’s the one story that affects everybody. Sunny, rainy storms, is there a threat to life and property? I want to be a good communicator to help people…
UT and International Softball Star Monica Abbott Recognized as a Volunteer 40 Under 40

As a rising star in the world of softball, Monica Abbott (’08) had several higher education options to choose from as a high school senior, but she ultimately chose the University of Tennessee, Knoxville as the place where she would pursue her pitching career and a degree in communication studies. Now, she’s being honored as…
40 Under 40 Alum Marcus Hilliard Finds Calling in Supporting UT’s Student Athletes

Marcus Hilliard (‘09) grew up with a father who coached and a mother who taught, and that drive to support and educate the next generation was passed down to the communication studies alumnus. He just found a slightly different route to that goal by working in higher education athletics, and is currently the senior associate…
Alum Lauren Moore Uses Communication Skills to Fundraise for Academic Healthcare Institutions

Applying to go to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville was what public relations alumna Lauren Moore (’07, ’09) calls a “no-brainer.” Though she grew up as a Navy brat, her final move landed her in a small West Tennessee town outside of Memphis, Bolivar, a move that ultimately led her to answer the call to…
Victoria Kline Continues Family UT Legacy as a Volunteer 40 Under 40

For Victoria Kline (‘10), being told she was on the 2023 Volunteer 40 Under 40 wasn’t just about her, it was about her family and their legacy at University of Tennessee, Knoxville. “I cried immediately. This is a family thing, with my grandfather and my parents having gone to UT. My father passed away unexpectedly…
Volunteer 40 Under 40 Translates ADPR Skills Into UX Design Career

Creativity and curiosity have been integral traits in Alexis Foster’s (’12) life and career, and definitely played a role in her becoming a senior product designer and content strategist for the Disney+ and Hulu. Her work in the field of user experience (UX) design, including her previous position as a lead content designer at Paypal…
Volunteer 40 Under 40 Courtney Vick Flexes UT Spirit at Whataburger

Courtney Vick (‘12) is happier than ever with her current position as a field marketing coordinator for Whataburger that she said, “It’s been a lot of fun, I feel like it’s almost a pinch me kind of thing. I truly have the best job in the world and people tell me that all the time.”…
Build-A-Bear President and CEO, Alumna Sharon Price John Pens ‘Stories & Heart’ Book

In her newly released book, College of Communication and Information alumna Sharon Price John (’86) weaves stories from her childhood, alongside insights from her career journey, as a way to encourage others to set and achieve personal goals. The Build-a-Bear, Inc. president and CEO didn’t want to write a tell-all or girl boss story, but…