UT College of Communication & Information

10/29/2026

What does it take to prepare students for an AI-driven future? For College of Communication and Information faculty members Jamie Ward and Jessica Frampton, it takes more than teaching students how to use the latest tools. It means helping them think critically, verify information, recognize bias, and understand when AI is, and isn’t, the right choice.

As members of UT’s 2026 Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Faculty Fellows cohort, Ward, an assistant professor of practice in the Tombras School of Advertising & Public Relations, and Frampton, an assistant professor in UTK Communication Studies, are integrating new AI-focused learning experiences into their courses.

From auditing AI-generated brand descriptions to practicing interpersonal communication with AI conversation guides, their approaches help students explore the possibilities and limitations of AI while strengthening the human skills communication professionals need.

Read how CCI faculty are preparing students to navigate the evolving relationship between AI and communication:

Generative artificial intelligence is changing how people communicate, create, work, and interact with information. For students preparing to enter the communication field, understanding how to use these tools is becoming increasingly important, but knowing how to use AI effectively also means knowi...

10/28/2026

Applications for Spring 2027 Networking Trips will close at midnight on Friday, October 30th!

Wondering if a networking trip is right for you? Allow Tombras School of Advertising & Public Relations alum Marin Sneed (‘25, ‘26) to tell you about her transformative experience on a networking trip that has led her to a successful career in Broadway and entertainment marketing! 🌟

Read more about Marin's story here: tiny.utk.edu/UIu2d

Trips for next semester will visit New York City, Washington, DC, and Atlanta. You can find the application here: https://cci.utk.edu/networking-trips/

10/26/2026

The next Wilson Academy cohort is headed to Santiago, Chile! The 2027–2028 cohort will take part in a new global experience in January 2028, offering another opportunity to learn beyond the classroom and gain a broader perspective.

Interested in being part of the next cohort? Learn more and apply for the Alan and Wendy Wilson Communication and Leadership Academy by December 14: tiny.utk.edu/WilsonAcademy

10/26/2026

Strengthening career skills outside of the classroom! Last week, CCI students were invited to the Career Mingle, an opportunity to directly connect with industry professionals and potential employers.

Students used this event to grow their professional network, explore potential internship and career opportunities, and learn career advice from seasoned professionals.

We are so grateful to the industry professionals who came to connect with our students!

10/23/2026

Through a partnership between WVLT and the Tennessee Valley Sports Network, Torch Sports will now be broadcast on televisions across the state!

To announce the very special news, Sports Director Luke Attal, alongside Taylor Lankford, Delaney Leary, Lauryn Gempler, and Max Enes appeared on WVLT earlier this week with Assistant Professor of Practice Brittany Tarwater.

Luke Attal reflected on the growth of Torch Sports, saying, “To see that it's grown from prerecorded shows where we were editing everything in post, and we could do takes over again to now being a live 30-minute show that could broadcast to the state of Tennessee, it's just really special.”

We are deeply proud of our students for using their classroom and hands-on experiences to grow the reach and impact of student organizations within UTK Media Center.

Tune in for the live show every Friday at 2 p.m. starting today!

10/22/2026

This Tuesday, we invited CCI students to learn more about 2027 study abroad opportunities with the Bohan Center for Global Engagement. Students explored our unique offering of global programs, learned how international experiences can complement their CCI degrees, and discovered new ways to enhance their education 🌎

Students can learn more about our study abroad initiatives in the United Kingdom, Spain, Morocco, South Korea, and more on our website: tiny.utk.edu/coFfO

10/21/2026

Interested in exploring freelance work or starting your own business? Join us on October 28 from 12:30–2 p.m. in COM 321 to hear from professionals and entrepreneurs working in freelancing, content creation, consulting, and more.

Learn more about building your personal brand, developing client relationships, managing finances, and finding opportunities beyond traditional career paths.

Register for CCI Perspectives here: tiny.utk.edu/t24q3

10/19/2026

Before Jalen Blue ('16, ‘25) ever stood at the Cliffs of Moher, he had never held a passport. In 2024, while pursuing his PhD at CCI, he joined the Communicating Across Cultures in Dublin program through UTK Communication Studies.

That experience broadened his worldview, deepened his understanding of intercultural communication, and helped shape his professional path forward.

In Ireland, Blue connected his studies in organizational and intercultural communication to the people, places, and institutions he encountered. He explored Trinity College Dublin, learned about Irish culture and history, and built relationships with students, faculty, and alumni.

The experience pushed him beyond what was familiar and became a defining moment in his doctoral journey.

Today, Blue is an assistant director in UT’s Division of Access and Engagement and a program lead for the Japan Global Immersion Program. The experience that first introduced him to the value of global learning now informs how he helps UT students explore the world for themselves.

Read how Jalen’s first global learning experience shaped his perspective and continues to influence the opportunities he creates for students: tiny.utk.edu/vPhrm

Inspired by Jalen’s journey? Discover how global learning could shape your own path at the CCI Study Abroad Fair tomorrow, October 20, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in the CCI Lobby.

10/16/2026

Today, we were excited to welcome CCI alum (‘93) Ryan McGee back to Rocky Top! Ryan, a senior writer for ESPN and co-host of SEC Network’s Marty and McGee, connected with our students in a Q&A on career preparation, industry insights, and what goes into covering sports across different formats and audiences, adapting his approach to each.

Students were able to ask a range of questions, from what goes into reporting impactful stories to pathways to break into the sports journalism industry. We are truly grateful to Ryan for always making time for our students when he's back on Rocky Top!

10/15/2026

Interested in exploring careers in communication, information, and media? Join the CCI Career Mingle in the Communication and Information Building Lobby on October 21, from 3:30–5:30 pm! Connect with seasoned professionals, get career advice, and start building your network in a relaxed, convenient setting—whether you’re exploring options, searching for a job or internship, or just getting started.

All CCI students are invited, and there is no need to register. We recommend that students wear business casual clothing and bring copies of their resume. Students can expect to connect with the following businesses:
- Designsensory
- WBIR
- Gannett | USA Today
- TrailRunner International

We hope to see you there!