Tombras School of Advertising & Public Relations

09/15/2026

At the Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations, we’re committed to preparing students for meaningful careers. After graduating this May from the Tombras School, Madeline Guthrie put that preparation into practice this summer as a Community Engagement, Outreach, and Employee News Intern at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. She worked in internal communications, employee engagement, and community outreach while gaining a firsthand look at the inspiring work taking place at an organization like ORNL and its impact on the world.

Her internship allowed her to apply her skills in advertising, public relations, and strategic communication in a professional setting, an experience she’ll carry with her into graduate school and her future career.

Now, she’s continuing her education as a CCI graduate student concentrating in advertising and public relations. We’re proud to see our students take what they learn at the Tombras School into the workplace, and we’re especially glad Madeline is continuing that journey with us at CCI.

09/08/2026

Behind every class, project, and student experience is a team of faculty and staff dedicated to helping our students succeed.

Recently, the Tombras School team took some time to step away from the day-to-day and enjoy some time together at Topgolf. It was a great opportunity to connect, have some fun, and celebrate the people who make our school what it is.

We’re grateful for this dedicated team and all they do to support our students, both inside and outside the classroom. 🧡

09/08/2026

We’re hiring! 📣 The Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is looking for an Assistant Professor of Practice in Public Relations to join our team.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced PR professional and/or educator to bring their expertise into the classroom and help students build the skills and experience to thrive in their future careers. Recent industry experience is highly valued, and we’d love to hear from those passionate about connecting real-world practice with student learning.

Know someone who would be a great fit? Share this opportunity with your network!

Learn more and apply: https://apply.interfolio.com/192928

09/02/2026

Dogs with the Dean was a pretty great way to spend the afternoon yesterday! 🌭Students had the chance to spend some time with Dean Mazer and members of our faculty and staff while enjoying hot dogs and great conversation.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the afternoon a memorable one!

08/28/2026

Starting the semester fueled up! ☕ Thank you to everyone who joined us for Fuel Up with Faculty, where students had the opportunity to connect with faculty and staff, ask questions, and build relationships beyond the classroom over some treats.

08/27/2026

Please join us in congratulating Associate Professor Sifan Xu, the newest DeForrest Jackson Professor in the Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations!

Established through a generous gift from Suzanne Sackleh ('89) in honor of her favorite professor, DeForrest Jackson, this prestigious professorship recognizes a faculty member whose research, teaching, and service make an exceptional impact on the Tombras School, UT College of Communication & Information, and University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Over the next three years, Associate Professor Xu will use the professorship to further an active research agenda, which explores the role of artificial intelligence, specifically Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI-powered conversational chatbots, in transforming crisis communication from mass-broadcast
risk messaging into adaptive, personalized risk education.

He will focus on producing impactful scholarship while helping elevate the Tombras School’s visibility on the national and international stage.

08/21/2026

We're so excited to have Assistant Professor Kyeongwon Kwon and Assistant Professor Sunny Qin on our team! Can't wait to see the impact they have on our students and school. 🧡

08/21/2026

08/21/2026

Associate Professor Matthew Pittman’s class got a special visit from One Knox SC! ⚽️📱Students had the opportunity to hear directly from the team, including Tombras School alum Kasey Fontaine (’17), about what goes into marketing a professional soccer club on social media—from developing a strategy and creating engaging content to connecting with fans and building the team’s brand online.

08/20/2026

Tombras School students, start your semester off right with coffee, donuts, and great conversation! ☕ Join us for Fuel Up with Faculty on Thursday, August 27 from 9–11 a.m. in the Tombras School Suite (COM 476).

Meet your professors, connect with classmates, and enjoy a sweet start to the year!