School of Journalism & Media

Lady Vol Rylie West Named University of Tennessee Torchbearer

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Senior Rylie West is surprised with a 2024 Torchbearer Award in the Sherri Parker Lee Stadium on March 20, 2024. (Photo by Breven Walker/University of Tennessee.)

Senior Rylie West never had any intention of moving across the country to play softball. 

The Eastvale, California, native wanted to visit an SEC school, just to keep her options open. During her visit to Rocky Top, she liked the supportive atmosphere for women’s sports at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Combined with the opportunity to compete in the toughest NCAA Division I softball conference in the nation, the Tennessee Vols culture, and … Read more “Lady Vol Rylie West Named University of Tennessee Torchbearer”

Beacon Editor Abby Ann Ramsey Named University of Tennessee Torchbearer

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Senior and The Daily Beacon Editor Abby Ann Ramsey was named a University of Tennessee Torchbearer.

Going to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, was a last-minute decision for Abby Ann Ramsey.

The Knoxville native and UT senior with a double major in journalism and media and religious studies grew up immersed in Tennessee Vols culture. Despite this, she was initially hesitant about going to UT because she was concerned it would feel like high school 2.0.

Setting aside that concern and attending Rocky Top turned out to be a life-changing decision for Ramsey as she excelled academically, and demonstrated a … Read more “Beacon Editor Abby Ann Ramsey Named University of Tennessee Torchbearer”

Students’ Participation In 2024 IACS Summit Helps ‘Demystify’ Research Process

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A research team from the School of Journalism and Media traveled to Los Angeles over spring break to present at the annual Summit on Communication and Sport, organized by the International Association for Communication and Sport.

For doctoral student Ariel Newell, her favorite part about the latest research project she is involved in is getting to work alongside undergraduate students.

This is the first time she has worked with undergraduate researchers and thinks it is cool they are so excited about research. Newell, who is pursuing her PhD with a concentration in journalism and media, is part of a research … Read more “Students’ Participation In 2024 IACS Summit Helps ‘Demystify’ Research Process”

HGTV Editor Jessica Yonker Named School Of Journalism And Media 2024 Alumna Of The Year

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HGTV Digital Content Editor and 2024 School of Journalism and Media Alumna of the Year Jessica Yonker (’12) poses in an HGTV pumpkin outside the Discovery Offices.

Alumna Jessica Yonker (’12) first learned about a potential job opportunity at HGTV from a fellow student.

During her senior year, she applied for a summer digital internship with the company. Prior to her interview, Yonker’s professor and mentor Professor Elizabeth Hendrickson introduced her to then vice president of HGTV Digital, Jillian St. Charles, during Social Media Week at the College of Communication and Information.

“Years later, I learned that after our conversation, … Read more “HGTV Editor Jessica Yonker Named School Of Journalism And Media 2024 Alumna Of The Year”

The Daily Beacon Earns Regional Journalism Accolades At SEJC

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The Daily Beacon Editor-in-Chief Abby Ann Ramsey and Managing Editor Bella Hughes accepting the second place award for the Beacon at the 2024 Southeast Journalism Conference.

The Daily Beacon won multiple awards last month at the 2024 Southeast Journalism Conference, including placing top three in the best sports writer and best newspaper categories.

The annual conference brings together student journalists in a variety of media disciplines from states across the Southeast such as Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. 

A highlight of the conference each year is the announcement of the winners of the “Best of the South” … Read more “The Daily Beacon Earns Regional Journalism Accolades At SEJC”

40 Under 40: Alumnus Josh Ward Uses Radio Career To Build Community Connections In His Hometown

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Alumnus Josh Ward (’07) was recently inducted into the Volunteer 40 Under 40 Class of 2024, which recognizes alumni under the age of forty who have excelled personally and professionally since completing their degree.

Play No. 1.

Several Tennessee Vols fans can recall this iconic play from the 1995 game at Neyland Stadium when Peyton Manning threw a touchdown pass to Joey Kent for eighty yards.

But what made this play even more iconic for alumnus Josh Ward (‘07) and other fans was legendary sports broadcaster John Ward’s play calling in the moment. 

From a very young age, Ward knew … Read more “40 Under 40: Alumnus Josh Ward Uses Radio Career To Build Community Connections In His Hometown”

Scovel Named National Wrestling Media Association Journalist Of The Year 

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When Assistant Professor Shannon Scovel and her father attended the 2017 NCAA wrestling championships, it was a special moment both personally and professionally for the wrestling beat journalist.

After covering the early sessions for American University, Scovel joined her father in the stands. It had been thirty years since her father, who competed in the 1987 NCAA wrestling championships for the University of Maryland, returned to a national tournament. 

Assistant Professor Shannon Scovel and her father attending the 2022 Division I Wrestling Championships.

The announcer requested anyone who competed in a tournament before to stand and be recognized. Her dad … Read more “Scovel Named National Wrestling Media Association Journalist Of The Year ”

Students Attend Realscreen Summit 2024 in New Orleans

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Students attended Realscreen Summit in 2024 in New Orleans. From left to right: Adjunct Lecturer Clint Elmore, Adjunct Lecturer Melissa Sykes, Fulton Myrick, Garrett Wright, Lukas Vyniauskus, Aaliyah Hammontree, Sierra Scott and, Katlynn Gill

On his first day at Realscreen Summit 2024, senior Lukas Vysniauskas attended a speed networking session.

He met around twenty individuals with various levels of expertise in film production. An aspiring documentary filmmaker, Vysniauskas said he learned a lot about different aspects of the industry, including opportunities he was unaware of prior to attending Realscreen, an annual global market and conference for the unscripted and non-fiction … Read more “Students Attend Realscreen Summit 2024 in New Orleans”

40 Under 40: Alumna Heather Melton Lives the Volunteer Creed Every Day 

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Alumna and Volunteer 40 Under 40 Class of 2024 inductee Heather Melton (‘06) works as the executive director of the Kidney Foundation of the Greater Chattanooga Area helping hundreds of individuals. Pictured from left to right are foundation staff members Genna Parker, Kirbee Hutchins, Melton, and Susannah Shaver.

For more than a decade, alumna Heather Melton (‘06) has helped hundreds of individuals who rely on the life-saving services offered through the Kidney Foundation of the Greater Chattanooga Area. 

Her dedication and passion to help others has earned her a spot on the Volunteer 40 Under 40 Class of 2024, which … Read more “40 Under 40: Alumna Heather Melton Lives the Volunteer Creed Every Day ”

Tarwater, WVLT Wins Emmy® Awards For Documentary On Clemency For Cash Scandal

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School of Journalism and Media Assistant Professor of Practice Brittany Tarwater (‘09) won Midsouth Regional Emmy® Awards for her work on the WVLT News Original Documentary, A Tennessee Waltz: Ray Blanton’s Last Dance

School of Journalism and Media Assistant Professor of Practice Brittany Tarwater (‘09) isn’t sure what made her take author Keel Hunt’s book on vacation that day.

Titled Coup: The Day the Democrats Ousted Their Governor, Put Republican Lamar Alexander in Office Early, and Stopped a Pardon Scandal, Hunt’s book captured the behind-the-scenes story of how Tennessee Democrats and Republicans banded together to remove former Gov. Ray Blanton … Read more “Tarwater, WVLT Wins Emmy® Awards For Documentary On Clemency For Cash Scandal”