Spotlight

The people who call the UA College of Communication and Information Sciences home – past, present and future; students, faculty and alumni – are truly the best and brightest. This section highlights what some of those people are doing now, and why CIS is so important to them. Simply put, we’d like to put our best and brightest typical student, staff, faculty and alumni into the spotlight.

Bringing Experience Into the Classroom

Chris Roberts

Journalism Professor Chris Roberts brings in a plethora of journalism experience into the classes he teaches. And it shows.

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So Much More

Deirdra Drinkard

Deirdra Drinkard believes “college here is not just about going to class. It is so much more.” The Silverhill, Ala., native capitalizes on the opportunities available and has reaped the rewards.

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From Student To Teacher

Tanya Sylvan

Tanya Sylvan’s APR background from The University of Alabama aids her in impacting the lives of others.

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No Place Like Home

Anita Mixon

Anita Mixon and Dorothy Gale from “The Wizard of Oz” have one thing in common, they both found friendships that turned into family.

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Student, Alumnus, Instructor and Staff

Jim Oakley

Jim Oakley has been a student and instructor and is an alumnus and staff member. More importantly he has been a mentor, colleague and friend to so may people who have come through the UA College of Communication and Information Sciences.

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A Rewarding Learning Process

Tiffany Taylor

After a visit to an advertising agency while in high school, Tiffany Taylor knew she wanted to go into the field of communications. And after studying PR at UA, she knew she made the right decision.

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Having Fun Along the Way

Danielle Johnson

Danielle Johnson, a 2000 telecommunication and film graduate, combined sports and broadcast while at UA, and translated that into a job upon graduation.

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Learn From Experience

Adam Schwartz

TCF assistant professor Adam Schwartz is active even by Hollywood standards. He produces a television pilot every semester, with the help of students in his advanced television production class.

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Advocacy On-campus and Off

Dana Lewis

Dana Lewis is one UA senior who knows in order to make a difference one must endure dedication, hard work and devotion.

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Meet and Greet with Morning Joe

Joe Scarborough

Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, of MSNBC’s Morning Joe, will be at a meet and greet Friday, April 9 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. in the Phifer Hall rotunda. Both will be on hand to sign their respective books, which will be available for purchase.

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A Passion for Filmmaking

Ben Stark

TCF alumnus Ben Stark, class of 2006, found everything he needed at UA to follow his dreams of being a filmmaker. Not only did he receive excellent technical training, but, more importantly, he discovered encouraging instructors, co-workers and classmates.

 

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Proud and Passionate

Hamilton Henson

A lot of UA students say the campus “just felt like home” on their first visit to the Capstone. Hamilton Henson is no exception, and he has made the most of it in the College of Communication and Information Sciences.

 

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Photography's Influence

Mark Lent

A picture is worth a thousand words, and Mark Lent can prove it. The telecommunication/film major has spent half of his college career researching the thought-provoking effects of photography.

 

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An Invaluable Resource

Rick Bragg

Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Rick Bragg, professor of writing in the journalism department, finds inspiration in the College of Communication and Information Sciences. More importantly, he is often the inspiration for his students.

 

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Finding Family in Forensics

Jennifer Wells

Jennifer Wells, a graduate student in the communication studies department, found family in the Alabama Forensics Council.

 

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The Right Direction

Kathy Nontasak

Advertising graduate, Kathy Nontasak, class of 2005, knew going to UA would take her places. Professors and classmates in the College of Communication and Information Sciences pointed her in the right direction. She now calls New York City home, but as brand manager for National Geographic, the world is her office.

 

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Competitive Spirit Brings APR Student to UA

Lauren Musselman

The desire to do her best as a competitive gymnast first brought Memphis-native Lauren Musselman to The University of Alabama campus. The desire to stand out in a competitive field, advertising, kept her here.

 

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New TCF Professor Brings Flavor to Classroom

Dr. Raimist

Dr. Rachel Raimist found her voice through film at a young age. A teacher put a camera in her hands and she found direction. Now a TCF professor at UA, she hopes to inspire others.

 

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Doctoral student looks to the past to see the future

Mia Long

Mia Long, an aspiring communication professor from Atlanta, studies media history to fulfill her interest in the evolution of minority roles and depiction in the media.

 

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Award-Winning Journalist Chose UA ‘to Develop an Even Stronger Pen’

Courtney Fingar

Huntsville-native Amethyst Holmes first came to UA as a journalist for her high school paper, attending Alabama Scholastic Press Association conferences and even being named ASPA High School Journalist of the Year Award as well as the Rick Bragg Feature Writing Award recipient. It was only fitting she would continue her journalism education at the Capstone.

 

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CIS Alum Uses Journalism Skills Worldwide

Courtney Fingar

Courtney Fingar, a class of 1998 journalism graduate, travels the world as the editor of fDi Magazine, a premier publication for the business of globalization. We caught up with her and asked her a few questions.

 

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