Today CCI recognized seven retiring faculty members with a combined 138 years of service. These individuals have dedicated their careers to our university, college, schools, and countless students who have come through our doors.
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Retirees
Dr. Candace White, DeForrest Jackson Professor in the Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations Candace joined the faculty in August 1994. She has served ADPR, CCI, UT, and the field tirelessly as President of Faculty Senate, Member of the UT Board of Trustees, and many other top leadership roles. Candace was one of few public relations professors for many years, and has steadfastly worked for the growth of the major. Candace started the Sienna study abroad trip and has grown it to one of our strongest study abroad programs in CCI. *Dr. Beth Foster accepted this award in her honor.
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Dr. Sharon Todete, adjunct lecturer in the Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations Sharon has been at the University of Tennessee for 29 years, with 17 of those years in CCI. She has taught classes across advertising, public relations, communication studies, and CCI 150. She has been a willing and flexible teacher in CCI who is eager to serve the College however it has needed her, for many years.
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Dr. Jill Bergeron, senior lecturer in the School of Communication Studies Jill has been with CCI for over 16 years. Throughout her career in CCI she taught general education courses in the School of Communication Studies. And during her tenure, she organized the McClung Public Speaking Contest for several years, which is now the largest public speaking contest in the Southeast.
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Sandy Cabbage, program resources specialist in the School of Communication Studies Sandy began working at UT in 1990. Prior to joining Comm Studies, Sandy worked in the UT evening school, which is no longer a program at UT. But an interesting fact, the evening school was in the SIS office area.Sandy has received multiple honors during her time with the program including UT employee of the month, CCI Service Award, and Communication Studies academic advising award.
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Dr. John Haas, director of the School of Communication Studies Dr. Haas has served 27 years as a department head on this campus. John will be greatly missed as a director in this college, however, his transformative leadership has paved the way for so many future generations of students and faculty at CCI.
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Dr. Mike Wirth, professor in the School of Journalism and Electronic Media Mike joined UT in 2006 where he served as CCI dean for 16 years. As dean, he raised over $35 million from donors and helped in the college’s effort in establishing a diversity and inclusion program together with Alice Wirth and other key members in the college. And earlier this year, he was named Honorary Life Member of the Broadcast Education Association.
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Dr. Lisa Gary, distinguished lecturer in the School of Journalism and Electronic Media. Lisa has taught a variety of courses including multimedia writing and magazine/feature writing. Since 2016, she has led JEM efforts in submitting student works in regional and national student media award contests – resulting in several of our students winning prestigious awards including the Hearst Journalism Awards. *Dr. Catherine Luther accepted this award in her honor.
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Dr. Bob Legg, associate professor in the School of Journalism and Electronic Media. Bob came to UT in 2001. He has taught production courses including advanced video production and documentary production. Before going into academia, he had his own broadcast operations company. Prior to that he worked in commercial radio in programming and accounting.*Dr. Catherine Luther accepted his award in his honor.
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2022 CCI Faculty and Staff Awards
Faculty Teaching Award This award recognizes outstanding classroom instruction by a tenured or tenure-track faculty member in the college. This year’s recipient is Dr. Guy Harrison, assistant professor in the School of Journalism and Electronic Media. His work in the classroom demonstrates goal 1 of the University’s strategic vision by providing high-quality educational opportunities for people at every stage of life, whenever and wherever they seek to learn.
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Non-TT Faculty Teaching Award This award recognizes outstanding classroom instruction by a full-time non-tenure-track faculty member in the college. This year’s recipient is Dr. Carolyn Hank, director of undergraduate studies, and clinical associate professor in the School of Information Sciences. Her ability to be nimble and adaptable in the classroom helps deliver upon goal 4 of the University’s strategic vision.
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Bud Minkel International-Intercultural Award This award recognizes superlative international or intercultural efforts by a tenured or tenure-track faculty member in one or more of the areas of research, teaching, or service. This year’s recipient is Dr. Moonhee Cho, associate professor in the Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations. Her visibility in serving the global community is important to the University’s mission and strategic vision and showcasing the work CCI does to make its mark globally.
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Faculty Research Award This award recognizes outstanding research by a tenured or tenure-track faculty member in the college. This award was given to two faculty members this year, one to a junior faculty member and one to a senior faculty member. Both of their work in research helps deliver upon goal 2 of the University’s strategic vision.
Our first recipient is Dr. Quentin Bernhold, assistant professor in the School of Communication Studies.
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Our next recipient is Dr. Devendra Potnis, associate professor in the School of Information Sciences.*Dr. Abebe Rorissa accepted this award in his honor.
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Faculty Service Outreach Award This award recognizes outstanding service/outreach activities by a tenured or tenure-track faculty member in the college. This year’s recipient is Dr. Amber Roesnner, Associate Professor in the School of Journalism and Electronic Media. She is a true example of goal 3 of the University’s strategic vision by ensuring a culture where vol is a verb.
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Non-TT Faculty Service Outreach Award This award recognizes outstanding service/outreach activities by a non-tenure-track faculty member in the college. This year’s recipient is Dr. Joe Stabb, assistant professor of practice in the Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations. He is embodying goal 5 of the University’s strategic vision by connecting our students with people across our great state and communities around the world.
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CCI Volunteer Spirit Award This award recognizes a full-time CCI staff member for outstanding customer service, positive attitude, strong work ethic, and/or work efficiency/productivity to CCI. This year’s recipient is Sandy Cabbage with the School of Communication Studies. Her behavior exemplifies goal 3 of the University’s strategic vision by ensuring the Volunteer spirit in everything she accomplishes.
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The Big Orange Award This award recognizes a full-time CCI staff member for outstanding administrative, advising, technical, outreach, and/or research service to the College of Communication and Information. This year’s recipient is Dan Greene, IT Administrator and Web Manager for CCI. His dedication helps deliver upon goal 4 of the University’s strategic vision.