ALL IN A YEAR
2018-2019 S T R AT E G I C P L A N H I G H L I G H T S
In 2018-2019, C&IS made great progress toward our strategic priorities, and I am proud to share the highlights of our success with you.
Dear Colleagues, Alumni and Friends, In 2016, the College of Communication and Information Sciences developed five strategic priorities that connect to the University-wide strategic plan and serve as a framework from which to approach our work and develop annual strategic action items. In three years, we have made significant progress in each of these areas, and I am proud of the achievements of our faculty and staff. This publication, All in a Year, presents highlights of these achievements throughout the 2018-2019 academic year and showcases how we are meeting our goals through creativity, collaboration and hard work. Beyond the stories you will read here, C&IS is proud of the following points of recognition on UA’s campus in 2018-2019: • C&IS is one of the fastest growing colleges on campus in both our undergraduate and graduate programs. • The College’s Master of Fine Arts in Book Arts was recognized with the Provost’s Assessment Award. • Tisch Student Services and External Relations received the highest rating for academic advising during Bama Bound new-student orientation. • Dr. Meredith Bagley, associate professor of communication studies, was named UA’s Most Outstanding Faculty Advisor. • Two C&IS master’s students received University-wide graduate student awards, including Jillian Sico for Outstanding Research and Sarah Price for Outstanding Teaching. • C&IS experienced the largest increase in external research grant funding submissions by faculty among the academic colleges. Thank you for contributing to our success and we look forward to sharing more as our progress continues!
Mark D. Nelson, Ph.D. Dean and Professor
In 2018-2019, C&IS made great progress toward our strategic priorities, and I am proud to share the highlights of our success with you.
Dear Colleagues, Alumni and Friends, In 2016, the College of Communication and Information Sciences developed five strategic priorities that connect to the University-wide strategic plan and serve as a framework from which to approach our work and develop annual strategic action items. In three years, we have made significant progress in each of these areas, and I am proud of the achievements of our faculty and staff. This publication, All in a Year, presents highlights of these achievements throughout the 2018-2019 academic year and showcases how we are meeting our goals through creativity, collaboration and hard work. Beyond the stories you will read here, C&IS is proud of the following points of recognition on UA’s campus in 2018-2019: • C&IS is one of the fastest growing colleges on campus in both our undergraduate and graduate programs. • The College’s Master of Fine Arts in Book Arts was recognized with the Provost’s Assessment Award. • Tisch Student Services and External Relations received the highest rating for academic advising during Bama Bound new-student orientation. • Dr. Meredith Bagley, associate professor of communication studies, was named UA’s Most Outstanding Faculty Advisor. • Two C&IS master’s students received University-wide graduate student awards, including Jillian Sico for Outstanding Research and Sarah Price for Outstanding Teaching. • C&IS experienced the largest increase in external research grant funding submissions by faculty among the academic colleges. Thank you for contributing to our success and we look forward to sharing more as our progress continues!
Mark D. Nelson, Ph.D. Dean and Professor
Cultivating High-Quality Academic Programs Offering rigorous, quality academic programs prepares students for success in their chosen fields and careers. C&IS seeks to provide all students with an academically challenging environment, high-quality course offerings, and teaching excellence.
LEARNING AND LIVING TOGETHER
20+ students live in UA’s newest residence hall and take C&IS courses together as part of a new livinglearning community.
COLLEGE OFFERS A NEW MINOR C&IS developed a minor in Leadership Communication that helps students build a personal, practical skillset.
RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE
C&IS graduate students received campus-wide awards for excellence in teaching and research.
COLLEGE LAUNCHES LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITY In Fall 2018, C&IS developed a living-learning community (LLC) specifically designed for students in the College of Communication and Information Sciences. The Capstone Communication Living Learning Community involves 20+ freshman students living in UA’s newest residence hall, England Hall, and taking courses together. The experience is designed to support students by providing an environment where they can quickly form a community, engage with one another in a variety of settings and make friends with peers with similar academic interests. Participants enroll in six credit hours together each semester and participate in a variety of out-of-class activities. They also have peer mentors who are upperclassmen within C&IS and serve as guides to the students throughout their first year. The primary goals of the program are: to create a strong community, support the transition from high school to college, educate about academic resources, introduce career options and bridge the gap between students and the College’s faculty and staff. The Capstone Communication LLC is part of the College’s effort to increase student retention and improve graduation rates. Research shows that students who participate in an LLC have higher academic success rates, higher college graduation rates, higher levels of satisfaction with their college experience, and an easier time connecting with their peers (Association of American Colleges and Universities, 2010).
C&IS DEVELOPS MINOR IN LEADERSHIP COMMUNICATION Students with an interest in communication studies have a new option for study. The Department of Communication Studies now offers a minor in Leadership Communication. This 18-credit-hour minor is designed to foster both understanding and development of leadership communication skills by combining the application of communication theory with practical skills. Students who pursue the minor have the opportunity to develop their own personal communication skills with diverse groups of people and in different contexts. Students who select the minor take courses such as: Critical Decision Making, Organizational Communication, Leadership and Strategic Communication, Communication and Diversity, and Group Leadership. This new academic program contributes to the College’s goal to develop global leaders who value diversity and have an appreciation for differences. “Students who study leadership communication will be at an advantage when they launch their careers. They will understand group dynamics, relate to others interpersonally and appreciate a diverse workplace,” said Dr. Mark Nelson, Dean of the College of Communication and Information Sciences. “These skills and this level of understanding are beneficial in any career.” C&IS GRADUATE STUDENTS WIN TOP UNIVERSITY AWARDS C&IS graduate students are demonstrating the results of the worldclass academic programs in the College through their recent awards. Sarah Price, a Communication Studies master’s student, received the University-wide award for Outstanding Teaching by a Master’s Student, and Jillian Sico, a student in the MFA Book Arts program, was given the University-wide award for Outstanding Research by a Master’s Student. To receive both of these master’s student awards within C&IS speaks to the caliber of students recruited and trained in the graduate programs. Price was honored after teaching COM 122, “Critical Decision Making,” and COM 123, “Public Speaking,” under the supervision of Dr. Sim Butler. Price’s students praised her creative curriculum development and the care she showed her students. Sico received the Outstanding Research by a Master’s Student award after researching papermaking and book arts in Mexico and using her research on amate, a traditional Mexican bark paper, to create an artist book edition using amate paper from bark she harvested in Tuscaloosa.
Cultivating High-Quality Academic Programs Offering rigorous, quality academic programs prepares students for success in their chosen fields and careers. C&IS seeks to provide all students with an academically challenging environment, high-quality course offerings, and teaching excellence.
LEARNING AND LIVING TOGETHER
20+ students live in UA’s newest residence hall and take C&IS courses together as part of a new livinglearning community.
COLLEGE OFFERS A NEW MINOR C&IS developed a minor in Leadership Communication that helps students build a personal, practical skillset.
RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE
C&IS graduate students received campus-wide awards for excellence in teaching and research.
COLLEGE LAUNCHES LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITY In Fall 2018, C&IS developed a living-learning community (LLC) specifically designed for students in the College of Communication and Information Sciences. The Capstone Communication Living Learning Community involves 20+ freshman students living in UA’s newest residence hall, England Hall, and taking courses together. The experience is designed to support students by providing an environment where they can quickly form a community, engage with one another in a variety of settings and make friends with peers with similar academic interests. Participants enroll in six credit hours together each semester and participate in a variety of out-of-class activities. They also have peer mentors who are upperclassmen within C&IS and serve as guides to the students throughout their first year. The primary goals of the program are: to create a strong community, support the transition from high school to college, educate about academic resources, introduce career options and bridge the gap between students and the College’s faculty and staff. The Capstone Communication LLC is part of the College’s effort to increase student retention and improve graduation rates. Research shows that students who participate in an LLC have higher academic success rates, higher college graduation rates, higher levels of satisfaction with their college experience, and an easier time connecting with their peers (Association of American Colleges and Universities, 2010).
C&IS DEVELOPS MINOR IN LEADERSHIP COMMUNICATION Students with an interest in communication studies have a new option for study. The Department of Communication Studies now offers a minor in Leadership Communication. This 18-credit-hour minor is designed to foster both understanding and development of leadership communication skills by combining the application of communication theory with practical skills. Students who pursue the minor have the opportunity to develop their own personal communication skills with diverse groups of people and in different contexts. Students who select the minor take courses such as: Critical Decision Making, Organizational Communication, Leadership and Strategic Communication, Communication and Diversity, and Group Leadership. This new academic program contributes to the College’s goal to develop global leaders who value diversity and have an appreciation for differences. “Students who study leadership communication will be at an advantage when they launch their careers. They will understand group dynamics, relate to others interpersonally and appreciate a diverse workplace,” said Dr. Mark Nelson, Dean of the College of Communication and Information Sciences. “These skills and this level of understanding are beneficial in any career.” C&IS GRADUATE STUDENTS WIN TOP UNIVERSITY AWARDS C&IS graduate students are demonstrating the results of the worldclass academic programs in the College through their recent awards. Sarah Price, a Communication Studies master’s student, received the University-wide award for Outstanding Teaching by a Master’s Student, and Jillian Sico, a student in the MFA Book Arts program, was given the University-wide award for Outstanding Research by a Master’s Student. To receive both of these master’s student awards within C&IS speaks to the caliber of students recruited and trained in the graduate programs. Price was honored after teaching COM 122, “Critical Decision Making,” and COM 123, “Public Speaking,” under the supervision of Dr. Sim Butler. Price’s students praised her creative curriculum development and the care she showed her students. Sico received the Outstanding Research by a Master’s Student award after researching papermaking and book arts in Mexico and using her research on amate, a traditional Mexican bark paper, to create an artist book edition using amate paper from bark she harvested in Tuscaloosa.
Enhancing the Research Culture A robust research culture advances knowledge and creativity while enhancing student and faculty experiences. C&IS seeks to provide undergraduate and graduate students with experiences that promote scholarship and faculty mentor relationships. The College is committed to further developing the research culture by increasing the level of research and creative activity by its faculty and students. C&IS LAUNCHES GRANT WRITING INSTITUTE C&IS launched a Grant Writing Institute to provide faculty with tools and training to complete and submit an application for research funding within 12 months of the start of the program. With leadership from the Institute for Communication and Information Research (ICIR), C&IS provides a semester-long course release for each of the participants to focus on their grant submission. “It’s common to spend at least 60 to 80 hours working on a grant proposal,” said Dr. Kim Bissell, Associate Dean for Research at C&IS and directory of the ICIR. “The idea with the Grant Writing Institute is to buy out the time professors take to teach a course and have them utilize that time to work on a grant instead.” Participants attend six scheduled sessions, covering topics such as how to justify budgets in grant proposals and how to prepare for meetings with a program officer from a funding agency. Each participant in the original cohort finalized a grant application in excess of $100,000 contributing to the College’s continued growth of research grant submissions. Faculty will be accepted into the program on an annual basis with the goal to increase college grant submissions each year moving forward. STUDENTS WIN NATIONAL RESEARCH HONORS In addition to the College’s widely respected research faculty, C&IS doctoral, master’s and undergraduate students contribute to the research culture, and they are being recognized nationally. Two C&IS students received national honors including doctoral student Jeyoung Oh who received the 2018 Don Bartholomew Award for Excellence in Public Relations Research. Oh’s research uses sentiment analysis of news
media and Twitter data for predicting stock price. The award, sponsored by Ketchum Global Research & Analytics and the Institute for Public Relations (IPR), selects a top graduate student to acquire practical experience in public relations research at Ketchum New York. C&IS senior, Kiley Lord, also received honors with the Franklin Shirley Award for the Top Undergraduate Honors Conference Paper at the Southern States Communication Association (SSCA) Convention. Lord, who holds a major in communication studies, researched a popular YouTube series titled “S— Southern Women Say” and examined gender roles and expectations for southern women. Both Oh and Lord expressed gratitude for the insight and encouragement provided by their faculty research advisors, Drs. Eyun-Jung Ki and Jessy Ohl. “So much of my enthusiasm for this research has come from Dr. Ohl’s encouragement and feedback,” said Lord. “I was intimidated by the idea of doing undergraduate research, but now I am considering doing research at the master’s level.” C&IS OPENS PUBLIC OPINION LAB The Public Opinion Lab is an innovative space for social analytics designed for both academic and industry research. Opened in August 2018, the lab is an AI-powered data source of consumer insights. Crimson Hexagon, available in the lab, is used and trusted by the world’s leading brands to access real-time data from public consumer conversations on Facebook, Twitter, Reddit and Instagram. Students and researchers at UA as well as professional partners now have access to this platform and can use the social listening data to form robust insights for brands or research reports. Dr. Jameson Hayes, the director of the Public Opinion Lab, says this integration “exposes students to the tools that agencies are already using for their clients.” For example, the lab was recently used to examine how veterans and their families discuss suicide online. Ultimately, the insights gathered from this study could improve dialogue between medical services and military services. “I’m very excited about the breadth of interest in the lab,” said Hayes. “The Public Opinion Lab has an impact on both undergraduate and graduate students and certainly with faculty research and grants.”
ELEVATING FACULTY RESEARCH
Six faculty participants form the Grant Writing Institute’s first cohort.
EXCELLING IN STUDENT-LED RESEARCH
Two C&IS students were recognized with national research honors.
DIVING DEEP INTO SOCIAL MEDIA
The Public Opinion Lab brings social media listening research to C&IS.
Enhancing the Research Culture A robust research culture advances knowledge and creativity while enhancing student and faculty experiences. C&IS seeks to provide undergraduate and graduate students with experiences that promote scholarship and faculty mentor relationships. The College is committed to further developing the research culture by increasing the level of research and creative activity by its faculty and students. C&IS LAUNCHES GRANT WRITING INSTITUTE C&IS launched a Grant Writing Institute to provide faculty with tools and training to complete and submit an application for research funding within 12 months of the start of the program. With leadership from the Institute for Communication and Information Research (ICIR), C&IS provides a semester-long course release for each of the participants to focus on their grant submission. “It’s common to spend at least 60 to 80 hours working on a grant proposal,” said Dr. Kim Bissell, Associate Dean for Research at C&IS and directory of the ICIR. “The idea with the Grant Writing Institute is to buy out the time professors take to teach a course and have them utilize that time to work on a grant instead.” Participants attend six scheduled sessions, covering topics such as how to justify budgets in grant proposals and how to prepare for meetings with a program officer from a funding agency. Each participant in the original cohort finalized a grant application in excess of $100,000 contributing to the College’s continued growth of research grant submissions. Faculty will be accepted into the program on an annual basis with the goal to increase college grant submissions each year moving forward. STUDENTS WIN NATIONAL RESEARCH HONORS In addition to the College’s widely respected research faculty, C&IS doctoral, master’s and undergraduate students contribute to the research culture, and they are being recognized nationally. Two C&IS students received national honors including doctoral student Jeyoung Oh who received the 2018 Don Bartholomew Award for Excellence in Public Relations Research. Oh’s research uses sentiment analysis of news
media and Twitter data for predicting stock price. The award, sponsored by Ketchum Global Research & Analytics and the Institute for Public Relations (IPR), selects a top graduate student to acquire practical experience in public relations research at Ketchum New York. C&IS senior, Kiley Lord, also received honors with the Franklin Shirley Award for the Top Undergraduate Honors Conference Paper at the Southern States Communication Association (SSCA) Convention. Lord, who holds a major in communication studies, researched a popular YouTube series titled “S— Southern Women Say” and examined gender roles and expectations for southern women. Both Oh and Lord expressed gratitude for the insight and encouragement provided by their faculty research advisors, Drs. Eyun-Jung Ki and Jessy Ohl. “So much of my enthusiasm for this research has come from Dr. Ohl’s encouragement and feedback,” said Lord. “I was intimidated by the idea of doing undergraduate research, but now I am considering doing research at the master’s level.” C&IS OPENS PUBLIC OPINION LAB The Public Opinion Lab is an innovative space for social analytics designed for both academic and industry research. Opened in August 2018, the lab is an AI-powered data source of consumer insights. Crimson Hexagon, available in the lab, is used and trusted by the world’s leading brands to access real-time data from public consumer conversations on Facebook, Twitter, Reddit and Instagram. Students and researchers at UA as well as professional partners now have access to this platform and can use the social listening data to form robust insights for brands or research reports. Dr. Jameson Hayes, the director of the Public Opinion Lab, says this integration “exposes students to the tools that agencies are already using for their clients.” For example, the lab was recently used to examine how veterans and their families discuss suicide online. Ultimately, the insights gathered from this study could improve dialogue between medical services and military services. “I’m very excited about the breadth of interest in the lab,” said Hayes. “The Public Opinion Lab has an impact on both undergraduate and graduate students and certainly with faculty research and grants.”
ELEVATING FACULTY RESEARCH
Six faculty participants form the Grant Writing Institute’s first cohort.
EXCELLING IN STUDENT-LED RESEARCH
Two C&IS students were recognized with national research honors.
DIVING DEEP INTO SOCIAL MEDIA
The Public Opinion Lab brings social media listening research to C&IS.
Improving the Internal and External Communities The communities of C&IS enrich the experience of faculty, staff, and students. Forging strong relationships both internally and externally helps build a supportive, dynamic college environment. The College is committed to strengthening these communities to allow every member to contribute and learn from each other.
EMPOWERING STUDENT LEADERS
The Bama Blitz passion project funds inaugural student leadership retreat.
EXPANDING COLLEGE SUPPORT
The C&IS Board of Visitors added a diverse group of new members, connecting the College to leaders in applicable professions in more geographic areas.
LEARNING FROM ALUMNI
60+ students traveled throughout the U.S. to meet with 100+ alumni and professionals.
C&IS FINISHES SECOND IN BAMA BLITZ Bama Blitz is an inspiring online fundraising event for alumni, students and friends to come together and support The University of Alabama. Through the power of social media and crowdfunding, alumni around the world come together to support a favorite cause, college or program. This year, C&IS finished in second place for total dollars raised. The C&IS passion project for 2019 was the inaugural C&IS Student Leadership Retreat, meaning all who supported the College during Bama Blitz supported this new initiative. The retreat empowers students through leadership topics such as communication, diversity and collaboration over two days off campus. Student participants also become part of a network of peers who understand their individual and group impact on the C&IS community. C&IS set a goal to raise $10,000 to support student leadership development efforts and fund 50 students to participate in the C&IS Student Leadership Retreat. Over the course of one day, eight hours and 31 minutes during Bama Blitz, the College far exceeded that goal, raising $161,730.18 from 100+ gifts. The success of this effort speaks volumes for the spirit of collaboration and collegiality between C&IS faculty, staff, alumni and friends. C&IS BOARD OF VISITORS EXPANDS The C&IS Board of Visitors serves as an advisory group for the College and is comprised of established professionals and industry leaders who work closely with senior administration to effect positive change in the College’s curriculum, experiential learning opportunities and advancement activities. Last year, the board experienced significant
growth by adding 14 new members who represent more geographic areas, new industry areas and diverse backgrounds. This growth brings new perspectives and opportunities to partner with alumni in new and innovative ways. The new board members represent five states and work in a variety of professional areas such as television news, consumer research, libraries, marketing and radio. With a focus on advancement and scholarship support, the board paves the way for future students. Last year, the C&IS Board of Visitors made significant progress on an endowment to support Industry Immersion, created new scholarships to support students and funded five prospective high school students who attended the College’s Communication and Media Preview (CAMP). INDUSTRY IMMERSION CONNECTS STUDENTS TO INDUSTRY GIANTS The College’s Industry Immersion program is making waves as a premier professional development experience at The University of Alabama. Students from all majors travel throughout the United States’ leading job markets to engage with experienced alumni and industry professionals. Last year, the program achieved great success with 60+ students visiting five different cities and meeting with 100+ industry professionals at global companies like Disney, Warner Music Group, Apple and CNN. By placing motivated undergraduates in board rooms and agencies in the country’s most dynamic cities and with UA’s most successful alumni, the program is building momentum and strong networks of students and industry leaders around the country. The student participants make connections that help them throughout their careers, and the alumni reconnect with the College in a meaningful way. “The benefits of Industry Immersion go well beyond networking. They help students truly envision their careers in the rapidly evolving field of communication,” said Lindsay Garrison, senior vice president at Edelman and C&IS Board of Visitors member. “Meeting with alumni in their work environment gives students invaluable context to what they’re learning in the classroom.”
Improving the Internal and External Communities The communities of C&IS enrich the experience of faculty, staff, and students. Forging strong relationships both internally and externally helps build a supportive, dynamic college environment. The College is committed to strengthening these communities to allow every member to contribute and learn from each other.
EMPOWERING STUDENT LEADERS
The Bama Blitz passion project funds inaugural student leadership retreat.
EXPANDING COLLEGE SUPPORT
The C&IS Board of Visitors added a diverse group of new members, connecting the College to leaders in applicable professions in more geographic areas.
LEARNING FROM ALUMNI
60+ students traveled throughout the U.S. to meet with 100+ alumni and professionals.
C&IS FINISHES SECOND IN BAMA BLITZ Bama Blitz is an inspiring online fundraising event for alumni, students and friends to come together and support The University of Alabama. Through the power of social media and crowdfunding, alumni around the world come together to support a favorite cause, college or program. This year, C&IS finished in second place for total dollars raised. The C&IS passion project for 2019 was the inaugural C&IS Student Leadership Retreat, meaning all who supported the College during Bama Blitz supported this new initiative. The retreat empowers students through leadership topics such as communication, diversity and collaboration over two days off campus. Student participants also become part of a network of peers who understand their individual and group impact on the C&IS community. C&IS set a goal to raise $10,000 to support student leadership development efforts and fund 50 students to participate in the C&IS Student Leadership Retreat. Over the course of one day, eight hours and 31 minutes during Bama Blitz, the College far exceeded that goal, raising $161,730.18 from 100+ gifts. The success of this effort speaks volumes for the spirit of collaboration and collegiality between C&IS faculty, staff, alumni and friends. C&IS BOARD OF VISITORS EXPANDS The C&IS Board of Visitors serves as an advisory group for the College and is comprised of established professionals and industry leaders who work closely with senior administration to effect positive change in the College’s curriculum, experiential learning opportunities and advancement activities. Last year, the board experienced significant
growth by adding 14 new members who represent more geographic areas, new industry areas and diverse backgrounds. This growth brings new perspectives and opportunities to partner with alumni in new and innovative ways. The new board members represent five states and work in a variety of professional areas such as television news, consumer research, libraries, marketing and radio. With a focus on advancement and scholarship support, the board paves the way for future students. Last year, the C&IS Board of Visitors made significant progress on an endowment to support Industry Immersion, created new scholarships to support students and funded five prospective high school students who attended the College’s Communication and Media Preview (CAMP). INDUSTRY IMMERSION CONNECTS STUDENTS TO INDUSTRY GIANTS The College’s Industry Immersion program is making waves as a premier professional development experience at The University of Alabama. Students from all majors travel throughout the United States’ leading job markets to engage with experienced alumni and industry professionals. Last year, the program achieved great success with 60+ students visiting five different cities and meeting with 100+ industry professionals at global companies like Disney, Warner Music Group, Apple and CNN. By placing motivated undergraduates in board rooms and agencies in the country’s most dynamic cities and with UA’s most successful alumni, the program is building momentum and strong networks of students and industry leaders around the country. The student participants make connections that help them throughout their careers, and the alumni reconnect with the College in a meaningful way. “The benefits of Industry Immersion go well beyond networking. They help students truly envision their careers in the rapidly evolving field of communication,” said Lindsay Garrison, senior vice president at Edelman and C&IS Board of Visitors member. “Meeting with alumni in their work environment gives students invaluable context to what they’re learning in the classroom.”
Providing a Learning Environment that Promotes Diversity, Equity, Leadership & Service A commitment to diversity ensures equitable access and promotes a rich academic experience for students. Leadership and service by students, faculty and staff contributes to the intellectual, professional and personal development of leaders, critical thinkers and problem solvers. C&IS seeks to provide an environment that encourages and celebrates diversity, equity, leadership and service among every member of the College community. C&IS HOSTS THE 10TH DIVERSITY SYMPOSIUM As part of an ongoing commitment to promote diversity, equity and inclusion, C&IS hosted the 10th annual Discerning Diverse Voices Symposium. The Symposium was established to create an intellectual environment that appreciates, advances and supports scholarly research and creative activities focused on the communication of stories, experiences and issues impacting diverse populations. A variety of UA faculty and students from throughout campus participate each year. In its 10th year, the Symposium showcased speakers with national and international reach, including this year’s keynote speaker, Justin Ching. Ching is one of Forbes Magazine’s “30 Under 30: Millennials Changing Media” and the founder of j-school, a production company dedicated to empowering underrepresented communities. Ching took part in a keynote panel featuring former Alabama and NFL player Rashad Johnson on “Constructing the Narrative of the Activist Athlete,” moderated by Dr. Caryl Cooper, associate professor of advertising and founder of the Symposium. “As faculty, I believe it’s our duty to visit with our colleagues, find out their research interests and goals, and demonstrate how diversity intersects with teaching and research productivity,” said Cooper. The symposium will only expand its reach in the next 10 years.
CAPSTONE AGENCY SUPPORTS NONPROFITS Capstone Agency, UA’s student-run communications firm, holds a 24-hour CreateAthon each year. Last year, the integrated communications marathon resulted in 2,208 hours of pro bono work for 15 Tuscaloosa nonprofits and a lasting impact on the community. The 15 nonprofits selected include: Alabama REACH; Arts n’ Autism; Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Alabama; Boys and Girls Club of West Alabama; Camp Fire Alabama; Caring Days Adult Day Care; Dialysis Clinic Inc.; Freshwater Land Trust; Schoolyard Roots; Smile-A-Mile; Sweetwater Outreach; The University of Alabama Collaborative Arts Initiative; Tuscaloosa SAFE Center; United Cerebral Palsy of West Alabama; and YMCA of Tuscaloosa. The 90+ students that took part in CreateAthon also felt the benefits of serving their community. “It’s hard to find the words to describe what participating in CreateAthon is like,” said Olivia Lake, Capstone Agency’s Pro Bono Director. “Serving was a humbling experience and reminded me of the larger, societal need for what we did.”
COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY
C&IS hosted its 10th annual campus-wide Discerning Diverse Voices Symposium.
CREATING FOR GOOD
15 nonprofits received pro bono work from Capstone Agency during the annual CreateAthon weekend.
To date, CreateAthon has delivered $24 million in pro bono services nationally, and UA has delivered nearly $100,000 in pro bono services locally. SEC BREAKS STUDENT ORGANIZATION FUNDING RECORD Last year was a record-breaking year for the C&IS Student Executive Council (SEC) who awarded more than $7,500 to C&IS student organizations. The SEC is comprised of various student leaders and exists to strengthen the C&IS community and promote collaboration across student organizations, students, faculty, staff and administration. The key way the SEC accomplishes this task is by raising money to support the student organization fund. They do this by creating and maintaining fundraisers and overseeing student organization funding requests. The SEC provided funding for the Black Warrior Film Festival, undergraduate research, the Alabama Forensic Council, student film projects, and diversity education programs among many other efforts. The Blackout, a poetry workshop and performance collaboration to celebrate Black History Month and black culture, is one example of the programs the SEC supported to promote diversity within C&IS.
BREAKING FUNDING RECORDS
The C&IS Student
• Executive Council GRANT WRITawarded ING INSTITUTE $7,500+ to 25 of the More students College’s students and are graduating on time due student organizations.
Providing a Learning Environment that Promotes Diversity, Equity, Leadership & Service A commitment to diversity ensures equitable access and promotes a rich academic experience for students. Leadership and service by students, faculty and staff contributes to the intellectual, professional and personal development of leaders, critical thinkers and problem solvers. C&IS seeks to provide an environment that encourages and celebrates diversity, equity, leadership and service among every member of the College community. C&IS HOSTS THE 10TH DIVERSITY SYMPOSIUM As part of an ongoing commitment to promote diversity, equity and inclusion, C&IS hosted the 10th annual Discerning Diverse Voices Symposium. The Symposium was established to create an intellectual environment that appreciates, advances and supports scholarly research and creative activities focused on the communication of stories, experiences and issues impacting diverse populations. A variety of UA faculty and students from throughout campus participate each year. In its 10th year, the Symposium showcased speakers with national and international reach, including this year’s keynote speaker, Justin Ching. Ching is one of Forbes Magazine’s “30 Under 30: Millennials Changing Media” and the founder of j-school, a production company dedicated to empowering underrepresented communities. Ching took part in a keynote panel featuring former Alabama and NFL player Rashad Johnson on “Constructing the Narrative of the Activist Athlete,” moderated by Dr. Caryl Cooper, associate professor of advertising and founder of the Symposium. “As faculty, I believe it’s our duty to visit with our colleagues, find out their research interests and goals, and demonstrate how diversity intersects with teaching and research productivity,” said Cooper. The symposium will only expand its reach in the next 10 years.
CAPSTONE AGENCY SUPPORTS NONPROFITS Capstone Agency, UA’s student-run communications firm, holds a 24-hour CreateAthon each year. Last year, the integrated communications marathon resulted in 2,208 hours of pro bono work for 15 Tuscaloosa nonprofits and a lasting impact on the community. The 15 nonprofits selected include: Alabama REACH; Arts n’ Autism; Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Alabama; Boys and Girls Club of West Alabama; Camp Fire Alabama; Caring Days Adult Day Care; Dialysis Clinic Inc.; Freshwater Land Trust; Schoolyard Roots; Smile-A-Mile; Sweetwater Outreach; The University of Alabama Collaborative Arts Initiative; Tuscaloosa SAFE Center; United Cerebral Palsy of West Alabama; and YMCA of Tuscaloosa. The 90+ students that took part in CreateAthon also felt the benefits of serving their community. “It’s hard to find the words to describe what participating in CreateAthon is like,” said Olivia Lake, Capstone Agency’s Pro Bono Director. “Serving was a humbling experience and reminded me of the larger, societal need for what we did.”
COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY
C&IS hosted its 10th annual campus-wide Discerning Diverse Voices Symposium.
CREATING FOR GOOD
15 nonprofits received pro bono work from Capstone Agency during the annual CreateAthon weekend.
To date, CreateAthon has delivered $24 million in pro bono services nationally, and UA has delivered nearly $100,000 in pro bono services locally. SEC BREAKS STUDENT ORGANIZATION FUNDING RECORD Last year was a record-breaking year for the C&IS Student Executive Council (SEC) who awarded more than $7,500 to C&IS student organizations. The SEC is comprised of various student leaders and exists to strengthen the C&IS community and promote collaboration across student organizations, students, faculty, staff and administration. The key way the SEC accomplishes this task is by raising money to support the student organization fund. They do this by creating and maintaining fundraisers and overseeing student organization funding requests. The SEC provided funding for the Black Warrior Film Festival, undergraduate research, the Alabama Forensic Council, student film projects, and diversity education programs among many other efforts. The Blackout, a poetry workshop and performance collaboration to celebrate Black History Month and black culture, is one example of the programs the SEC supported to promote diversity within C&IS.
BREAKING FUNDING RECORDS
The C&IS Student
• Executive Council GRANT WRITawarded ING INSTITUTE $7,500+ to 25 of the More students College’s students and are graduating on time due student organizations.
Strengthening the National and International Profiles C&IS recognizes the importance of creating a national and international reputation and being a prominent leader in our fields of study to attract and retain quality faculty, staff and students. Through partnerships, outreach and leadership, the College seeks to strengthen the educational impact of students through national and international opportunities, leadership, connectivity and awards. SHOWCASING FORENSIC EDUCATION
UA hosted 58 university forensics teams for the National Individual Events Tournament.
WINNING ON A NATIONAL STAGE
Advertising and public relations students and teams collected top awards in multiple industry competitions.
CONNECTING INTERNATIONAL RESEARCHERS
SLIS hosted global scholars at the Archival Education and Research Institute.
ALABAMA FORENSIC COUNCIL HOSTS 58 SCHOOLS AT NATIONAL FORENSICS TOURNAMENT The Alabama Forensic Council brought together 700 students from 58 schools around the United States during the 2019 American Forensics Association National Individual Events Tournament (NIET). This exposure allowed C&IS to showcase academic programs and UA’s campus to students throughout the country as they consider graduate schools and employment. “To be able to compete on our own campus and show the nation what UA is like only adds to the pride we feel in the Capstone,” said Bobby Imbody, former director of forensics at C&IS. During the national tournament, the Alabama Forensic Council was recognized with two individual national champions and finished in fourth place as a team, marking the third consecutive year of finishing in the top five overall at a national level. Seniors Alexis Simmons and McLean Stewart earned the National Championship in Poetry Interpretation and After Dinner Speaking, respectively, and Stewart was named to the AFA-NIET All-American Team. ADVERTISING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS STUDENTS ARE TOP IN THE NATION Students in the Department of Advertising and Public Relations continue to win some of the nation’s top awards across various categories, bringing both pride and recognition to the College’s top-ranked programs. Last year alone, Capstone Agency was named the top student-run firm in the country by the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) for the second time. In addition to Capstone Agency’s awards, the University’s
PRSSA chapter won a “Star Chapter” award and the “Best PRSA/PRSSA Relationship” award. Public relations student, Alana Doyle, won “PR Student of the Year” from PRWeek. She is the second C&IS student to win the award, and the third to finish in the top two, all in the last three years. Additionally, two students in Minerva, the College’s Creative Advertising specialization, gained national recognition. Charlotte Frank and Elizabeth Swartz received a National Silver Addy from the American Advertising Federation for their campaign concept for 23andMe. Also, The University of Alabama Ad Team placed among the top 8 teams in the country at the American Advertising Federation’s National Student Advertising Competition. SLIS HOSTS ARCHIVAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE The School of Library and Information Studies hosted the tenthannual Archival Education and Research Institute (AERI) on UA’s campus. Archivists visited the University from eight different countries, representing an array of academic institutions across the globe. The Archival Education and Research Initiative is devoted to strengthening archival studies as an academic discipline, supporting archival research and education, and encouraging emerging archival scholars. As part of this mission, AERI supports yearly institutes, sponsored by academic institutions hosting archival education programs. One of the many outstanding presenters was plenary session speaker, Kiara Boone, the Deputy Program Manager for the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), a human rights organization which challenges racial and economic injustice. Boone spoke to the importance of archival work in the EJI’s mission by noting that recordkeeping “helps people understand a more comprehensive truth of our history. If we do not have records of [racial injustice] then history will reshape the narrative over time.” These working meetings provide opportunities for archival studies faculty, doctoral students, scholar-practitioners and emerging archival scholars to share research, discuss teaching methods, and consider the needs and responsibilities of the archival and records disciplines.
Strengthening the National and International Profiles C&IS recognizes the importance of creating a national and international reputation and being a prominent leader in our fields of study to attract and retain quality faculty, staff and students. Through partnerships, outreach and leadership, the College seeks to strengthen the educational impact of students through national and international opportunities, leadership, connectivity and awards. SHOWCASING FORENSIC EDUCATION
UA hosted 58 university forensics teams for the National Individual Events Tournament.
WINNING ON A NATIONAL STAGE
Advertising and public relations students and teams collected top awards in multiple industry competitions.
CONNECTING INTERNATIONAL RESEARCHERS
SLIS hosted global scholars at the Archival Education and Research Institute.
ALABAMA FORENSIC COUNCIL HOSTS 58 SCHOOLS AT NATIONAL FORENSICS TOURNAMENT The Alabama Forensic Council brought together 700 students from 58 schools around the United States during the 2019 American Forensics Association National Individual Events Tournament (NIET). This exposure allowed C&IS to showcase academic programs and UA’s campus to students throughout the country as they consider graduate schools and employment. “To be able to compete on our own campus and show the nation what UA is like only adds to the pride we feel in the Capstone,” said Bobby Imbody, former director of forensics at C&IS. During the national tournament, the Alabama Forensic Council was recognized with two individual national champions and finished in fourth place as a team, marking the third consecutive year of finishing in the top five overall at a national level. Seniors Alexis Simmons and McLean Stewart earned the National Championship in Poetry Interpretation and After Dinner Speaking, respectively, and Stewart was named to the AFA-NIET All-American Team. ADVERTISING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS STUDENTS ARE TOP IN THE NATION Students in the Department of Advertising and Public Relations continue to win some of the nation’s top awards across various categories, bringing both pride and recognition to the College’s top-ranked programs. Last year alone, Capstone Agency was named the top student-run firm in the country by the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) for the second time. In addition to Capstone Agency’s awards, the University’s
PRSSA chapter won a “Star Chapter” award and the “Best PRSA/PRSSA Relationship” award. Public relations student, Alana Doyle, won “PR Student of the Year” from PRWeek. She is the second C&IS student to win the award, and the third to finish in the top two, all in the last three years. Additionally, two students in Minerva, the College’s Creative Advertising specialization, gained national recognition. Charlotte Frank and Elizabeth Swartz received a National Silver Addy from the American Advertising Federation for their campaign concept for 23andMe. Also, The University of Alabama Ad Team placed among the top 8 teams in the country at the American Advertising Federation’s National Student Advertising Competition. SLIS HOSTS ARCHIVAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE The School of Library and Information Studies hosted the tenthannual Archival Education and Research Institute (AERI) on UA’s campus. Archivists visited the University from eight different countries, representing an array of academic institutions across the globe. The Archival Education and Research Initiative is devoted to strengthening archival studies as an academic discipline, supporting archival research and education, and encouraging emerging archival scholars. As part of this mission, AERI supports yearly institutes, sponsored by academic institutions hosting archival education programs. One of the many outstanding presenters was plenary session speaker, Kiara Boone, the Deputy Program Manager for the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), a human rights organization which challenges racial and economic injustice. Boone spoke to the importance of archival work in the EJI’s mission by noting that recordkeeping “helps people understand a more comprehensive truth of our history. If we do not have records of [racial injustice] then history will reshape the narrative over time.” These working meetings provide opportunities for archival studies faculty, doctoral students, scholar-practitioners and emerging archival scholars to share research, discuss teaching methods, and consider the needs and responsibilities of the archival and records disciplines.
AWARDED $222,000+ IN DEPARTMENTAL AND COLLEGE-WIDE SCHOLARSHIPS TO 161 STUDENTS GRANTED 733 UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES, 156 MASTER’S DEGREES AND 8 DOCTORAL DEGREES PLACED 4TH IN THE NATION’S LEADING FORENSIC INDIVIDUAL EVENTS TOURNAMENT WITH TWO NATIONAL CHAMPIONS AND ONE ALL-AMERICAN PRODUCED 200+SCHOLARLY PUBLICATIONS RAISED MORE THAN $1.8 MILLION IN EXTERNAL SUPPORT EDUCATED 2900+STUDENTS AT THE UNDERGRADUATE, MASTER’S AND DOCTORAL LEVELS INTRODUCED SIX NEW PH.D. CONCENTRATIONS PRESENTED HOLLE AWARDS AND $50,000 TO FIVE DESERVING STUDENTS INTERNED AT 400+ MEDIA OR PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS LOGGED THOUSANDS OF HOURS IN COMMUNITY SERVICE THROUGH VARIOUS COURSES TRAINED 1,700+ STUDENTS IN PUBLIC SPEAKING
ALL IN A YEAR RECEIVED THE SPJ NATIONAL MARK OF EXCELLENCE FOR ALPINE LIVING MAGAZINE’S WEBSITE CAPSTONE AGENCY NAMED THE NATION’S TOP FIRM BY PRWEEK SERVED 1200+ MIDDLE- AND HIGH-SCHOOL STUDENTS THROUGH THE ALABAMA SCHOLASTIC PRESS ASSOCIATION AWARDED BACK-TO-BACK PRWEEK PUBLIC RELATIONS STUDENT OF THE YEAR INCREASED RESEARCH GRANT SUBMISSIONS BY 140% RAISED MORE THAN $160,000 DURING THE SECOND-ANNUAL BAMA BLITZ DONATED $20,822 IN NEW BOOKS TO BLACK BELT SCHOOL LIBRARIES INDUCTED FIVE NEW MEMBERS IN TO THE C&IS HALL OF FAME AWARDED ONE NATIONAL SILVER ADDY SERVED STUDENTS WITH 31,000+ HOURS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE DIGITAL MEDIA CENTER HOSTED 60 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS THROUGH COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA PREVIEW (CAMP) ALABAMA PUBLIC RADIO HONORED WITH THE ROBERT F. KENNEDY JOURNALISM AWARD FOR RADIO
AWARDED $222,000+ IN DEPARTMENTAL AND COLLEGE-WIDE SCHOLARSHIPS TO 161 STUDENTS GRANTED 733 UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES, 156 MASTER’S DEGREES AND 8 DOCTORAL DEGREES PLACED 4TH IN THE NATION’S LEADING FORENSIC INDIVIDUAL EVENTS TOURNAMENT WITH TWO NATIONAL CHAMPIONS AND ONE ALL-AMERICAN PRODUCED 200+SCHOLARLY PUBLICATIONS RAISED MORE THAN $1.8 MILLION IN EXTERNAL SUPPORT EDUCATED 2900+STUDENTS AT THE UNDERGRADUATE, MASTER’S AND DOCTORAL LEVELS INTRODUCED SIX NEW PH.D. CONCENTRATIONS PRESENTED HOLLE AWARDS AND $50,000 TO FIVE DESERVING STUDENTS INTERNED AT 400+ MEDIA OR PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS LOGGED THOUSANDS OF HOURS IN COMMUNITY SERVICE THROUGH VARIOUS COURSES TRAINED 1,700+ STUDENTS IN PUBLIC SPEAKING
ALL IN A YEAR RECEIVED THE SPJ NATIONAL MARK OF EXCELLENCE FOR ALPINE LIVING MAGAZINE’S WEBSITE CAPSTONE AGENCY NAMED THE NATION’S TOP FIRM BY PRWEEK SERVED 1200+ MIDDLE- AND HIGH-SCHOOL STUDENTS THROUGH THE ALABAMA SCHOLASTIC PRESS ASSOCIATION AWARDED BACK-TO-BACK PRWEEK PUBLIC RELATIONS STUDENT OF THE YEAR INCREASED RESEARCH GRANT SUBMISSIONS BY 140% RAISED MORE THAN $160,000 DURING THE SECOND-ANNUAL BAMA BLITZ DONATED $20,822 IN NEW BOOKS TO BLACK BELT SCHOOL LIBRARIES INDUCTED FIVE NEW MEMBERS IN TO THE C&IS HALL OF FAME AWARDED ONE NATIONAL SILVER ADDY SERVED STUDENTS WITH 31,000+ HOURS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE DIGITAL MEDIA CENTER HOSTED 60 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS THROUGH COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA PREVIEW (CAMP) ALABAMA PUBLIC RADIO HONORED WITH THE ROBERT F. KENNEDY JOURNALISM AWARD FOR RADIO
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