College of Communication and Fine Arts
News
Welcome to the creative pulse of Memphis at the College of Communication and Fine Arts (CCFA), where discovery, creativity, innovation, and artistic expression thrive in a city that shapes culture and tells powerful stories. Our website is your go-to resource for staying connected with the latest news, events, and opportunities. Whether you are a prospective student, a proud alum, or a current member of our community, you will find regular updates that highlight student achievements, faculty research, and the dynamic work happening across our college. Rooted in the energy of Memphis, CCFA is a vibrant space where creativity meets purpose, and we invite you to visit often and be part of our journey!
Celebrate Success
We love celebrating the incredible achievements of our CCFA community. From alumni making an impact in their industries to students pushing creative boundaries and faculty and staff shaping new possibilities, your success reflects the energy and spirit of Memphis. Share your awards, research, performances, exhibitions, and milestones with us. Your story is part of what makes CCFA, and the city we proudly call home, truly exceptional.
Share Your Exciting Announcements With Us >
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Park Presenting at Dixon Gallery Munch and Learn
Assistant professor of printmaking Yangbin Park will be presenting at an upcoming Munch and Learn event at the Dixon Gallery & Gardens. Munch and Learn is a public engagement program where local artists, scholars and
Dixon staff share their research and creative practices with the community.
Park's talk will focus on his artistic journey with Joomchi, the traditional Korean hand-papermaking technique, and will highlight collaborations and projects that explore the intersection of papermaking, culture and contemporary art.
Dixon Gallery & Gardens
Date: November 5, 2025
Time: 12-1 pm
For more information, click here.
CCFA in Focus: Allen Moody, Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music Alum
By Dan Froehlich, Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications
Allen Moody had zero intention of ever becoming an elementary school music teacher. In fact, he had no intention of becoming a teacher, or even a musician, at all. As a child he wanted to be the ice cream man.
But as we all know, life doesn’t turn out the way we planned it.
Moody’s venture into teaching happened more out of a chance encounter than any planned pathway.
During high school he became interested in flute performance. While working with some community organizations, he was given the chance to work with a children’s choir, and his goal went from an ice cream truck to working with high school bands.
Then it was off to the UofM, where he earned his bachelor's degree. While enrolled in a Foundations of Music Education class, he and his classmates went across campus to the Lipman School and taught a class of pre-K students about instruments. Consider his teaching and life trajectory changed.
“We taught some of the pre-K students about our instruments,” Moody said. “I play flute, so I went in and taught them different parts of the flute, and they moved their bodies and their feet. We went back the next week, and I ended up in the same class. There was another flute player there, and she was going to do high and low sounds. When she pulled out her flute, they remembered each part, and they started moving their bodies. That solidified it.”
A two-time graduate from the UofM, he earned his Bachelors of Music in 2009, started his job as an elementary school music teacher that same year and finished up his Masters of Music degree in 2018.
“I teach elementary music, and I am the Orff music specialist at Idlewild Elementary in midtown (Memphis),” Moody said. “I teach K-5 music, performing ensembles, Orff ensemble and chorus.”
Moody has excelled in his field, receiving the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music Music Educator of the Year Award during Opening Night of the Scheidt this past September.
“Knowing all of the great music educators that have come from the University of Memphis, there’s something special to be recognized for the accomplishments that you’ve made in your field,” Moody said. “Music educators, we are kind of on our own island in the school building; I’m the only one here that does what I do. To be honored and recognized by people who understand the work that you’re doing, especially an elementary teacher being recognized by a university is kind of special because sometimes elementary (school) isn’t the focus for a lot of people. The secondary subjects and the secondary teachers are a little more closely related to those college subjects so it’s kind of cool.”
Moody credits his success as a teacher in the classroom to each of the professors he studied under during both his undergrad and graduate days, but he reflects on one on-line graduate school class that really stood out: Music Theory with Professor Jeremy Orosz.
“We were studying modes and looking at works of Debussy and we had to write a piece that our students could perform that changed modes,” Moody said. “Orf uses a lot of modal music, and it just hit so well in line with what we (at Idlewild) were doing. It really fit that online master's in music ed program because it really felt like he (Orosz) was really trying to meet us where we were.”
Howard Publishes Research on Italian Renaissance Portrait
Dr. Rebecca Howard, associate professor of Art and Design, recently published new research on an unusual Italian Renaissance portrait that was once covered with
a movable painted panel. Her approach involves a novel application of queer theory
to the portrait and its original cover. The article, "Galatea’s Mirror: Queer Metamorphosis in Pontormo’s Portrait of a Halberdier," and is published in the art historical journal, “Source: Notes in the History of
Art."
Are you interested in studying abroad?
Join Dr. Rebecca Howard next summer to learn about Italian Renaissance art...in Italy! The course is open
to undergraduate and graduate students of any major.
There will be an interest / info session on Friday, Nov. 7 from 9-10 a.m. in ACB 310.
Feel free to email Dr. Howard any time with questions - rmhward2@memphis.edu
CCFA in Focus: Tony de Velasco, Associate Professor of Communication Studies
by Dan Froehlich, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications
One thing is a near certainty when you walk into the Arts and Communication Building at the University of Memphis. If you find your way into any one of associate professor of communication studies Tony de Velasco’s classes, you will come out having been challenged to think harder and speak with passion and conviction, just as he does.
“Part of the task of teaching, and one of the things I’ve leaned on with my experience, is reminding students that learning can be something that isn’t simply transactional, like trying to get to the next thing, that it can be a fulfilling experience,” de Velasco said.
de Velasco grew up in Miami, went to a small school in North Carolina and has been a fixture on the UofM campus for two decades. Across those years and those very different stops, he learned that what you say can be just as important as how you say it.
“I have a passion for language,” de Velasco said. “I’m really invested in the wonder of language, the way that language can excite us, the way it can move us to action, the ways that conflict happens.
“I’ve been teaching a course on rhetoric and civic controversy since I got here,” de Velasco said. “How to teach people to think about disagreements, not simply in the terms of us versus them, but about the language that we use and how do we understand the different words that people use for the same thing.”
de Velasco is particularly interested in his students understanding the area around the city where they go to school.
“One of the things that drew me here (to UofM) was the city of Memphis and its history,” de Velasco said. “I was drawn to the ways that this city has played a role in American history more broadly. And the people.”
Each year his students do a project about Memphis, researching something unique to the city. Some have researched the history of the university, some surrounding areas like Orange Mound and others historic attractions like the Memphis Pyramid.
“I took a course and basically transformed it into a rhetoric of Memphis course.” de Velasco said. “It looks at the history of how people have talked about our city. How people have created meaning out of Memphis rather than just a location on a map. How Memphis is itself a kind of symbol and how different groups look at it differently.
“It's kind of like the mix of language and the city, and the students get to learn about their city and then learn about the past of their city and the present of it through various ways that people have used language to represent it,” de Velasco said.
When de Velasco started at UofM, the smartphone hadn’t been invented, but the rhetoric around Memphis was very negative. Ever since that first day on campus, he has tried to help change that.
“Part of my job is recapturing that word (rhetoric) from a negative sense,” de Velasco said. “Rhetoric is the way we invent reality. By studying language, we can get clues into how different versions of our shared experience emerged. Rhetoric, ultimately, is the search for wisdom in terms of understanding language and disagreement.”
With that in mind, de Velasco’s goal for each of his students is simple:
“Equipping students to handle hard disagreements and to look at language as the source for how to figure out how to resolve them when we can, how to manage them, and basically how to live together.” de Velasco said.
Patterson a Guest Artist in Chile
Associate professor of cello Dr. Kimberly Patterson, recipient of CCFA Faculty Scholarship and Creative Activity Grant, was invited by
the Viva Guitar Foundation as a guest artist at the Semena International de la Guitarra
in Frutillar and Santiago, Chile.
CCFA in Focus: Elizabeth Acton, Department of Art and Design student
By Dan Froehlich, Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications
Elizabeth Acton knew all about the University of Memphis, having grown up in the area with two parents who both graduated from UofM, but the December ‘25 graduate from the Department of Art and Design didn’t know exactly just how life-changing her experience would be.
“Memphis was always in my sights,” Acton said. “I started during COVID, so I didn’t get a chance to tour many colleges. I thought, ‘I know Memphis, I think this is a great place to at least start and then see where it takes me.’ I fell in love with it.”
Originally a graphic design major, Acton found that studio art fit her personality more than she ever wanted to admit. The new focus allowed her to spend lengthy amounts of time in a studio, focusing on ceramics, while also allowing her to keep a minor in graphic design. It also changed her end-game focus.
“Through different jobs and working through college, I came to the conclusion that, as much as I didn’t want to go into education, I really did, and that was my calling,” Acton said. “I wanted as much experience as I could get that I could pass on to future students and future artists. That’s my whole philosophy on learning.”
This past semester Acton was a frequent substitute teacher in a middle school art class, which changed her mind about only teaching high school students. The dream, however, is to bring 3D media in a public-school setting, no matter the age group.
“I went to public school, and I would like to put my education back into the public
school system,” Acton said. “That’s a nice cyclical idea.”
The flowers, as they say, go to those who poured into Acton as she was learning and growing, from nearby Arlington High School to adjunct professor Cat Traen at UofM, who has not only been a professor and thesis advisor, but also a mentor and friend.
“These people impacted my life and influenced me in amazing ways,” Acton said. “Cat has opened doors for me and was the one that got me hooked to (ceramics). I’ve done an internship with her and getting to know her and her craft and her history, we are a lot more alike than I thought we would be. She has inspired me so much.”
This past summer she added a touch more to her plate, interning with the Art Museum of the University of Memphis, giving her even more to contemplate following graduation. In this role she focused on the Windows on Africa gallery, writing lesson plans for elementary, middle and high schools in each of the STEAM subjects.
“That was a huge steppingstone for me,” Acton said. "It opened my eyes to how broad I could go in an education field; I could go into education in a museum context, even in non-traditional schooling and organizations. It also allowed me to create educational content for educators in our area.”
Jenkins' Black Artists in America Exhibition Opens in California, Oct. 5
Art History professor Earnestine Jenkins' exhibition, Black Artists in America: From the Bicentennial to September 11, opens at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacremento, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 5, and runs until January 11. The show will
then move to Memphis, where it will be on display at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens.
Black Artists in America focuses on the transitional moment from the late 1970s to the dawn of the 21st century, featuring more than 50 artworks, and is the second in a three-part series.
To read more about the exhibition, click here.
CCFA in Focus: Theatre and Dance Professor Rachael Arnwine
By Dan Froehlich, Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications
Rachael Arnwine is moved by dance and helping others move effortlessly through their routines. That’s why the UofM Head of Dance professor was so eager to not only help develop the curriculum for a dance science major while an undergraduate but to also become a professor for one of the few programs in the nation that offers such a specialized degree.
To really get to the heart of Arnwine and her love for dance, you’d have to go back to when she was two years old.
“My older sister took dance classes, and my mom tells it that I would be in the lobby, looking in the window, mimicking her steps outside the studio,” Arnwine said. “Eventually her dance teacher said to my mom, ‘When is your other daughter going to be potty trained?’ As soon as I was, they let me start and that was it; I never did anything else.”
Arnwine would dance in studio and competitive dance throughout high school before enrolling at UofM, where she double majored, earning a BFA in Dance and a BS in Health and Human Performance.
“In high school I had gotten really fascinated by anatomy,” Arnwine said. “I didn’t yet know how I would merge those two things, but I wanted dance to be my life, but I was also really fascinated by the human body.”
As an undergrad, Arnwine was taking classes and performing on campus while also performing and teaching in the community.
Then, it was her love of the human body – and how to keep it healthy – that brought her into this new dance science field.
“I went to grad school for exercise sport science, focusing on biomechanics instead of doing a MFA in dance,” Arnwine said. “I had been interning in the muscular skeletal lab during undergrad and started seeing the parallels between research in sports science and injury prevention and injury mechanism and how that could be relevant to dance.”
According to the UofM website, ‘a BFA in Theatre with a concentration in Dance Science allows you to merge your passion for dance with a strong foundation in science. Graduates gain the knowledge to move with intention, reduce injury risk and sustain long, healthy careers in dance. It’s not just about how to dance, it’s about how to dance smarter.’
Approaching graduation, one of her professors, Holly Lau, now professor emeritus for the Department of Theatre and Dance, asked her if she would be interested in being on the ground level of the dance science major.
“And then the rest is history,” Arnwine said.
Arnwine ascended the ladder quickly, beginning as an adjunct professor for four-and-a-half years before moving into a visiting assistant professor role, then a year later an assistant professor and now head of the program.
The role of dance science, as Arnwine sees it, is simple.
Imagine you are sitting at home or in a restaurant and ESPN is on the TV. There they show a major league pitcher throwing a baseball at 95 MPH towards home plate and they break down the mechanics of the pitcher’s arm, leg drive and torque of his body as he winds up and releases the ball. Dance science does the same, just making it specific to dance.
“It’s considering things like anatomy, kinesiology, nutrition, physiology, all of those sciences, in a dance lens,” Arnwine said. “How are dancers getting injured? How can dancers train for not only injury prevention, but also performance longevity from a nutrition standpoint.
“How a football player is getting injured or how a basketball player is getting injured is not how a dancer is getting injured,” Arnwine said. “It’s understanding it from a dance specific lens.”
Arnwine has used her connections in the Memphis community to broaden her scope. This past academic year, she partnered with Collage Dance, bringing her students to Collage’s studio to work with its students in all facets of dance science, many doing it in their own free time.
Dance Science graduates earn a preprofessional degree, allowing them to go the science route or the professional dance route, setting them up to be a multidisciplinary artist and educator.
Just like Arnwine years ago, the opportunities are limitless. All you need to do is have a vision and see – or dance - it through.
Assistant Professor Yangbin Park Featured in CICA Art Now 2025
Department of Art and Design assistant professor Yangbin Park was recently published in CICA Art Now 2025, an archive catalog produced by the Czong Institute of Contemporary Art in Korea.
The publication features the writing and artworks of 65 international artists who
held solo exhibitions at CICA Museum. Park’s contribution follows his participation
in the CICA Art Studio program, a one-month artist residency he completed in 2024.
During the residency, Park developed new work that continues his exploration of language,
identity, and materiality in print and paper-based art. His inclusion in CICA Art
Now 2025 highlights his growing international recognition and the impact of his creative
practice within the global contemporary art community.
Schranze Serves as Strings Coordinator at Interlochen Center for the Arts
This summer, Department of Music professor Lenny Schranze served as Strings Coordinator at the Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan, overseeing faculty schedules and spearheading the chamber music and
advanced string quartet programs.
Faculty Coordination:???The string area included 54 faculty members, ranging from concertmasters hailing from orchestras across the U.S. and faculty from top music institutions, to a mentored teaching-fellow program supporting emerging educators.
Student Engagement:???The program welcomed approximately 250 string students—violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists—from junior, middle and high school levels and representing numerous countries around the world.
Orchestral Collaborations:???Student orchestra conductors hailed from the Detroit Symphony, Kansas City Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony, and the Orchestre National de France. The season also featured a special performance with Lang Langas piano soloist.
Together, these vibrant musical experiences demonstrated Interlochen’s continued commitment to artistic excellence, global collaboration, and nurturing young musicians through immersive, high-caliber instruction.
Atkins-Sayre Presents in France
Dr. Wendy Atkins-Sayre, Chair of the Department of Communication and Film, recently presented her research at the Food and Communication conference in Lille,
France. She and her co-author, Dr. Ashli Stokes of University of North Carolina-Charlotte,
presented a talk entitled, “Reanimating Appalachia: Women Chefs Advancing the Region
Through Food.” The essay accounts for the role of Appalachian women in changing the
face of Appalachia through its food, revealing the diversity of cultures that have
influenced the region.
Comm and Film's Goldsmith Consulting for Macy Faculty Grant
Communication Studies professor Joy V. Goldsmith, PhD, conducts research about health communication science in the context of healthcare
provider training, and serious and chronic illness. Her numerous books and articles
in clinical as well as communication journals address health literacy, communication
pedagogy, simulation training, oncology nurse communication, interprofessional communication,
and family caregiver communication.
Dr. Goldsmith is serving as a consultant and faculty member for a Macy Faculty Grant, and was invited to the project by her simulation training collaborator, Leah Burt. A clinical assistant professor, Burt (PhD ’20, MS ’10, ANP-BC) is one of five scholars nationwide to be chosen for the 2025 class of Macy Faculty Scholars, a highly selective program designed to identify and nurture the careers of promising educators in nursing and medicine. Burt is a board-certified adult primary care nurse practitioner and is director of educational quality assurance at the UIC Simulation and Integrative Learning (SAIL) Institute. Named an Emerging Leader (“Rising Star”) by the Society to Improve Diagnosis in Medicine in 2023, she’s interested in developing evidenced-based strategies to teach diagnostic reasoning, particularly with experiential and simulation-based learning interventions.
Burt and Goldsmith have worked in concert over the last two years developing and validating the COMFORT Sim Tool to be used across provider training programs to train learners in whole-person and equity centered communication practices. During her two years in the program, Burt will work on a project called Lead-Dx (Learning Equity, Addressing Disparities in Diagnosis). Goldsmith is assisting in developing a simulation-based curriculum to teach health professions students to better understand and mitigate diagnostic disparities.
“Biases play a huge role,” Burt says. “My hope is that [Lead-Dx] could be implemented in our DNP program to teach students not only to better understand diagnostic disparities, but also to be change-leaders in practice.”
The Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation supports projects in three priority areas: promoting diversity, equity and belonging; increasing collaboration among future health professionals; and preparing future health professionals to navigate ethical dilemmas.
CCFA in Focus: Aly Brandon, J+SM Alum
By Dan Froehlich, Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications
When Aly Brandon (BA ’21) was a student at North Little Rock (Ark.) High School, she didn’t have dreams of wearing the Blue and White of Memphis or working in the influencer marketing space. A first-generation college student, she admittedly didn’t even put much thought into college, knowing only that she wanted to study journalism. Where, it didn’t matter, applying to just three schools.
Now she finds herself as the Influencer Marketing Manager for Homefield Apparel, a Direct-to-Consumer collegiate apparel brand for schools of all sizes.
“When I look back to when I was in high school, I would have never assumed that I would be an influencer marketing manager. I feel like that’s a fake job to someone who’s not actually in the industry,” Brandon said.
Fake job, it is not. It is in fact, very real, especially in the collegiate sports world, where NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) has turned into big business.
Brandon’s days now are a course in social media listening and reaching out to athletes and influencers to put them in Homefield apparel, which has relationships and licensing agreements with over 200 colleges and universities across the US as well as multiple lifestyle brands.
“Anything that is NIL, content creator led, I am the person that is doing all that,” Brandon said. “From sourcing influencers to contracts to getting content shot and executed to getting them live and reporting, I’m doing full-cycle influencer marketing.”
While a student at UofM, Brandon took full advantage of all the university has to offer, diving head-first into on-campus groups and activities. From Meeman 901, the student-run public relations firm, to PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) and NABJ (National Association of Black Journalists), she used every opportunity in front of her to learn, grow and network.
“As soon as I got to college and realized I was paying for it, it became crazy. ’Oh my gosh, I have to do an internship and do this and do that.’ Roles completely reversed for me,” Brandon said.
That hard work paid off quickly.
Almost immediately after graduation she went to work for LaFORCE, a public relations and communications firm based out of New York City. Rising the ranks from account coordinator to account executive in just over a year-and-a-half, she was able to work with many national brands including Motorola, Jordan Brand and Uber.
Brandon parlayed that into a job with the Zeno Group before jumping over to Homefield off a recommendation by one of her networking connections who was friends with the CEO of Homefield, which was looking for someone to manage its new influencer and NIL campaigns.
Brandon’s work has impressed across her field, and those back at Memphis have also taken notice. She will be recognized as the Journalism and Strategic Media department’s Young Alumna Award winner on Thursday, Sept. 25.
“I was honestly shocked when they reached out to me; It is such a great honor,” Brandon said. “I tried to get everything out of my experience at UofM. There are a lot of synergies at UofM that helped me get to where I am today. Staying in touch with professors that I had, like Kim Marks Malone, who I still consider a mentor of mine today, and Dr. Matt Haught; I’ve really stayed connected with people at UofM and I like to help recent grads with internships.”
From Meeman 901 to agency life, Brandon has made the most of her UofM education, landing in a dream field she didn’t even know existed before starting her undergraduate education.
Tsay Releases Solo Album
Assistant Professor of Piano Jonathan Tsay's solo piano album was released by Centaur Records in May 2024. Entitled "Legacy,"
this album features the music of two Taiwanese composers (Jiang Wen-Ye and Ma Shui-Long)
whose lives and works reveal the sophistication and craftsmanship of classical music
works originating from East Asia from the 1930s-2000s and is the first compilation
of these works recorded in the United States.
The album is available for streaming on all major platforms including Spotify and Apple Music.
Feizi's UNMUTED Hosted at Dixon Gallery and Gardens
Led by Assistant Professor of Graphic Design Sanaz Feizi, UNMUTED is a research initiative funded by the Institute for Arts and Health (AhRT) and the Communities of Research Scholars (CoRS) program at the University
of Memphis.
The Most Happy Fella Wins Seven Ostrander Awards
The Most Happy Fella, a romantic musical comedy put on through a collaboration of the University of Memphis
Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music and the Department of Theatre and Dance this past
April, won seven Ostrander Awards at the 41st annual celebration held this year at
the Orpheum on Aug. 24. In total, the University of Memphis collected eight awards
in Division II. The Most Happy Fella won the following awards: Lighting Design (Chris Hanian); Sound Design (Christopher
Plummer); Costume Design (Kenann Quander); Music Direction (Nathan Thomas); Featured/Cameo
Div. II musicals (Aidan Saunders); Direction (Ben Smith) ; Production Div. II musicals
(Director, Ben Smith; Stage Manager, Amy Salerno Hale). Brian Ruggaber also won an
award for Set Design for 12N, or What You Will.
Park to Present in Minnesota, Sept. 11-13
Department of Art and Design Assistant Professor Yangbin Park has been selected to present at the upcoming North American Hand Papermakers (NAHP) Conference, Connections in Practice, to be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Sept. 11–13. In recognition
of his contributions to the conference, Park has also been awarded a competitive Scholarship
Award by the NAHP Scholarship Committee. At the conference, Park will present his
collaborative research project Between Sheets and Scripts: Translation Through Print
and Paper with artist Danqi Cai. Their research investigates the complex relationship
between language, culture, and identity, working between Hangul (Korean) and Hanzi
(Chinese) as both material and linguistic foundations. Through handcrafted papers
and layered print interventions, Park and Cai reimagine words and their cultural nuances
in forms that resist direct translation, demonstrating how artistic exchange generates
new ways of thinking and making. The NAHP’s 2025 theme, Connections in Practice, reflects
the vital role of papermaking as both a material and metaphor. Just as a sheet of
paper binds fibers together into strength, the conference will spotlight how papermakers
create connections—between artists, communities, and ideas. Park’s participation underscores
his commitment to advancing papermaking as a catalyst for collaboration, social engagement,
and cultural dialogue.
Art and Design's Roberts Participates in Mid Atlantic Exchange in Iceland
Associate Professor of Art Kate Roberts spent two weeks in August participating in the Mid Atlantic Keramik Exchange in Reykjavik,
Iceland. The residency brought together artist from North America, Iceland, and Europe
to exchange ideas and research on contemporary ceramic art and practices. Roberts
studied the vast landscape in Iceland, collecting local clay and glaze samples to
use in her research into sustainable practices in ceramics. At the end of the residency,
a pop up exhibition was held at Myndlistarskoli Kopavogs showcasing each resident's
personal research.
Faulconbridge Nominated for Ostrander Award
John Faulconbridge, an Academic Advisor in the CCFA's Dean's Office, was nominated for a Supporting
Actor Ostrander Award for his performance as Herr Schultz in Cabaret at Germantown Community Theatre, which ran from May 9-25.
Shaltis Presents a Solo Recital in Bogota and Medellin
Associate Professor of Percussion Bill Shaltis was invited to present a solo recital at the College Music Society’s International
Convention in Bogotá and Medellín, Colombia this past summer. Shaltis performed social
justice-themed works written for percussion, including “La sed es tierra” by Colombian
composer Sergio Coté. The recital was performed at EAFIT University in Medellín, where
Shaltis also worked with percussion students at the university on solo and orchestral
repertoire. To see more pictures, check out Shaltis’ Instagram account @bill.shaltis
Architecture's Snider Studies in France Over Summer
This past summer, Director of Interior Architecture Professor Marika Snider completed the field work for the Richard Morris Hunt Prize. The prize afforded her the opportunity to study a historic preservation topic in
France. She investigated "complicated histories" which involved learning about the
challenges of preserving structures with complex chronologies or that have changed
meaning / importance. The fieldwork included construction site visits such as the
18th century École Militaire (pictured below) to see current techniques in battling
structural issues due to previous restorations and learning about how the Palace of
Versailles has been using new media to help visitors engage with all of the histories
of the site. This summer, the park at Versailles launched a new program where visitors
can have a conversation with the garden statues using Artificial Intelligence. She
visited 84 historic sites, mostly in Paris, 19 museums, and met with dozens of professionals.
JRSM Sends Students to Germany Over Summer
Six Journalism and Strategic Media students studied abroad in Mainz, Germany, as part
a 24-year strong exchange with Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz.
UofM Lambuth's Adams Publishes Second Book
Visiting Professor of Teaching at the University of Memphis-Lambuth, and recent UofM
MALS graduate Ashley Kate Adams announces her second published book, #BYOP: Leveraging Loss and Grief as Fuel for Productivity. This book was written alongside its academic companion, which was her thesis for
the University of Memphis entitled "Grief and Productivity for the Artist". Pre-Order is available now through Barnes & Noble and at Novel in Memphis.
Architecture's Sam Johnson and Wife Expecting a Child in December
Congratulations are in order for Department of Architecture Administrative Associate,
Sam Johnson, and his wife, Natalie, who are expecting their first child in December!
Sam is an alum of the UofM and Natalie will be graduating in the near future, adding
another baby tiger into the CCFA family.
They have chosen to name their son, Gabriel Allen Johnson.
CCFA Hands Out Awards at Annual Fall Meeting
CCFA Dean Deb Burns laid out the vision for the college for the 2025-26 school year
and also handed out awards to our faculty and staff at Friday morning’s 2025 Annual
Fall Meeting.
- Ann Dunn Award - Tony Williamson, Art and Design
- Annual Academic Advising Awards
-Runners-up - Yangbin Park, Art and Design; Matt Farmer, Communications and Film
- Winner - Rachael Arnwine, Theatre and Dance - Benjamin W. Dawkins, Jr., Metitorious Professorship - Jacob Allen, Theatre and Dance; Jack Cooper, Music
- Dean’s Creative Achievement - Francis Cathlina, Music
- Dean’s Award for Outstanding Research - Craig Stewart, Communications and Film
- Dean’s Award for Excellence in Engaged Scholarship - Marcin Arendt, Music
Memphis Flute Ensemble Performs in Atlanta
The Memphis Flute Ensemble was invited by competitive recording submission to perform a 30-minute program of
music at the National Flute Association Convention in Atlanta, Aug. 7-10, 2025. The ensemble, directed by Prof. Elise Blatchford and consisting of members of the University of Memphis flute studio and members of
the Scheidt School of Music high school extension flute choir, performed works by
Nicole Chamberlain, W.C. Handy, and original arrangements of William Grant Still by
Prof. Blatchford. Attended by over 3,000 people, the 53rd annual National Flute Association
Convention was particularly energizing and inspiring to the flute students, especially
listening to performances by internationally renowned flutists, hearing premieres
of new works, participating in warm-up classes, and visiting the exhibition hall and
try flutes made by artisans from around the world.
UofM Lambuth Music and Entertainment Releases Album
The University of Memphis Lambuth Music and Entertainment program (UMLME) released
its brand new, student-created album on Friday, Aug. 8. Entitled ME 24/25, the album
includes six original songs fully developed by UMLME students.
The songs on the album were written, produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered by the students of the UMLME program. From pop and country to EDM funk and Latin jazz, the creativity of this project is limitless.
Every two years, the UMLME program composes a student album to give students an opportunity to experience the process of making an album. “Each year that we do an album is important to the program because it brings students together to create something that is brand new,” said Dr. Jeremy Tubbs, professor and area coordinator of the UMLME program. “They’re working on music that has never been heard. It’s about collaboration, content, and creativity. Each album is amazing, and this album proves the point.”
The students use the knowledge gained from their songwriting and recording technology classes to craft an album. For many students, this project was their first dive in to making original music. For others it was an opportunity to reach out of their comfort zone and work in a different genre of music or role in the recording process.
This record marks the second release from the program this year, following the debut streaming release of the ME 23/24 EP which released in February.
“This album really challenged me on the front of producing a vocalists recorded performance,” said UMLME student Mason Henson. “It was difficult learning to communicate with a musician that played an instrument that I really had no experience with, but it was fun to learn that process.”
For more information about the University of Memphis Lambuth Music and Entertainment program, visit memphis.edu/music.
UofM Singers to Perform at 2026 Southern ACDA Conference
The UofM University Singers have been invited to perform for the 2026 Southern ACDA
(American Choral Directors Association) Conference. This marks the first time in UofM
history that University Singers will take the stage at a regional ACDA. "I am deeply
proud of students - past and present - whose hard work made this honor possible,"
Dr. Francis Cathlina, Director of Choral Activities in the Rudi E. Schedit School of Music said.
Cathlina Conducts at 2025 Campina Grande International Music Festival.
Dr. Francis Cathlina, Director of Choral Activities in the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music, served as
the conductor and choral conducting faculty for the 2025 Campina Grande International
Music Festival (FIMUS). His week-long work in Campina Grande, Brazil, created meaningful
international connections between the Brazilian music community and UofM.
Stewart and Cooper Awarded Feinstone University Professorships
Communication and Film Professor and Director of Graduate Studies Dr. Craig Stewart and Professor of Jazz and Commercial Music Jack Cooper were both awarded a 2025 Feinstone University Professorship. The award recognizes
their outstanding contributions to the UofM's educational, research, outreach and
service missions. The Professorships are for a three-year appointment.
Associate Dean Schmidt Awarded $1M in Funding
Associate Dean Dr. Michael Schmidt is co-investigator on a research team that was recently awarded nearly $1M in funding
from the State of Tennessee's Opioid Abatement Council. The team is led by Dr. Satish Kedia, Associate Dean in the School of Public Health.
Art Education Students Take Part in Memory Project
Both undergraduate and graduate students in the UofM art education program participated
in the Memory Project, creating portraits for children in Malawi.
Located in southeastern Africa, Malawi is one of the world’s most financially disadvantaged countries. Children in Malawi face substantial life challenges.
The Memory Project is a youth arts organization that promotes intercultural understanding and kindness between children around the world. Started in 2004 by Ben Schumaker, the project provides handmade, heartfelt portraits as special memories to youth around the world facing many types of challenges.
Professor of art education Bryna Bobick spearheaded UofM’s participation in the project.
Watch a video of the children receiving their portraits.
Dean Burns Co-Authors Paper on Music-Based Interventions
Congratulations to Dean Dr. Debra Burns who co-authored the recently published paper, Reporting Guidelines for Music-Based Interventions and the companion Explanation and Elaboration Guide.
The original guidelines, which Dr. Burns was also a part of, were published in 2011.
Read the publications here:
https://tinyurl.com/4neyw2x8
https://tinyurl.com/4sdpxvfb
Park Awarded Residency at Directangle Press Residency Program
Assistant Professor Yangbin Park was awarded a grant-supported artist residency at the internationally renowned Directangle
Press Residency Program, specializing in Risography and Letterpress, from May 18-31,
2025. During this immersive residency, Park acquired expertise in Risograph printing
techniques and created a series of evocative risograph prints exploring the nuanced
themes of home and belonging. His intimate and thoughtful imagery resonates with personal
and universal experiences, inviting reflection on identity, community, and the profound
emotional connections we form with places we call home.
Stewart Published in Scholarship and Practice of Undergraduate Research (SPUR)
Dr. Craig Stewart, professor and director of graduate studies in the department of Communication and
Film, and colleagues in the Herff College of Engineering just published "Vertically Integrated Projects, STEM Identity, and Self-Perceived Competence" in Scholarship and Practice of Undergraduate Research (SPUR). This article reports results from research on the implementation of the Vertically Integrated Projects experiential learning model at the University of Memphis. SPUR is published by the
Council on Undergraduate Research and is the "the leading international, cross-disciplinary,
scholarly destination for those committed to practical, inclusive, and diverse experiences
in mentored undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative inquiry". Learn More >
Communication Studies' Goldsmith Published in American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine
Joy V. Goldsmith, PhD, a communication studies professor, was recently published in the American Journal
of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Her article, Exploring Family Caregiver Communication Difficulties and Caregiver Quality of Life
and Anxiety, investigates how family caregiver communication difficulties with health care providers
influence caregiver quality of life and anxiety. Learn More >
Graduate Student Maame Agyeiwaa Agyei Awarded Full Scholarship
Communication and Film graduate student Maame Agyeiwaa Agyei has been awarded a full
scholarship to participate in Cate University at the Cato Institute in Washington,
D.C., this coming August.
The Cato Institute is a public policy research organization that advocates for individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace. Founded in 1977, Cato's mission is to promote these principles through research, publications, and engagement in policy debates.
Professor O'Nele's Book, Fabrication for Theatre and Entertainment, Out Now
Associate professor in the Theatre and Dance department, Michael O'Nele, has published
his latest book, Fabrication for Theatre and Entertainment: Wood and Fiber Products. This volume is a complete reference guide to the process of working with wood products
for scenic and properties construction for theatre, film, entertainment arts and other
creative makers. Learn More >
Feature Film It Takes a Village to Film June 17-29
Production is beginning Department of Communication and Film media specialist William
Johnson's original feature motion picture, It Takes a Village. Filming will begin on June 17 and conclude on June 29. Johnson is serving as the
writer, producer and editor for the project. It Takes a Village is a faith-based film that will primarily be shot at Brown Missionary Baptist Church
in Southaven, Miss., with a few scenes filmed in Memphis.
"I am grateful to have 15 Department of Communication & Film production students working on the crew, along with former visiting professor and program graduate Dr. Anwar Jamison, who will be directing the project," Johnson said. "I have received amazing support from our wonderful Chair, Dr. Wendy Atkins-Sayre, and Film & Video Professors David Goodman & Roxie Gee."
Interested in being an extra? Learn More >
Professor McCain Performs on Disney's "Lilo & Stitch" Soundtrack
Dr. Martin McCain, Associate Professor of Trombone, can be heard on the Disney soundtrack
of the newly released "Lilo & Stitch" movie. McCain recorded “Burning Love” as trombonist
with the Royal Studio Horns. Learn More >
Schmidt's Manuscript Published in Journal of Interpersonal Violence
Dr. Michael Schmidt's latest manuscript, "Perspectives on perpetrators’ substance
use among Black and Hispanic women survivors of intimate partner violence," has been
accepted for publication in the prestigious "Journal of Interpersonal Violence." His
co-authors are Drs. Satish Kedia, Patrick Dillon, Seyi Isehunwa, Hassan Arshad, and
Katie Howell. The interdisciplinary team of authors have backgrounds in art, social
and behavioral sciences, psychology, and health communication. Research for this paper
was conducted with several local domestic violence agencies. The authors wish to share
their gratitude and appreciation with the participants and agency counselors and leadership,
without whom this research would not have been possible.
UofM Professor Featured in NY Times Article about Hooks Brothers
UofM professor of Art History Earnestine Jenkins is quoted in a New York Times article about Hooks Brothers Studios,
historic early 20th century photographers in Memphis. “It’s just so unique in terms
of being such a long-term visual documentation of one community, one city,” Jenkins
is quoted as saying of the process of preserving the more than 75,000-photo archive.
Learn More >
Communication and Film Thesis Screening Thursday, May 8
The Department of Communication and Film will will host a screening of MA FVP students
thesis films on Thursday, May 8, at 3 p.m.in Theatre 237A. Cupcakes and cookies will
be available.
Schiedt School of Music Professor Karr has Recording Released
Schedit School of Music assistant professor and Music Director for Opera, Stephen
Karr, is the conductor on the recently released, studio recording of The Queen, My Lord, Is Dead. The recording is available on all major streaming platforms. Learn More >
Bryan Lee Jr. to Give Public Lecture on May 14
Bryan Lee Jr, NOMA, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C, will present a public lecture on Wednesday,
14 May. The event will be at the MoSH (Museum of Science and History) located at 3050
Central Avenue. The reception will begin at 6:00 p.m. followed by the lecture at 6:30
p.m. Lee is an architect and the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Whitney M. Young
Jr. Award. Lee is also the new national president of NOMA and founder and director
of Colloqate Design located in New Orleans and Portland. The event is free, but those
wishing to attend are asked to register. Learn More >
PhD Student Awarded $25,000 Grant from American Association of University Women
Graduating Communication and Film PhD student, Rebecca Aderoju, has been awarded a
$25,000 Research Grant Fellowship from the American Association of University Women
(AAUW) in support of the continued development and publication of her dissertation.
This prestigious award recognizes her outstanding scholarship and commitment to advancing
knowledge that makes a meaningful impact on social challenges and problems.
UHS Students Bring Typography to Life in Graphic Design Challenge
Graphic Design at the University of Memphis was excited to host a group of UHS students
for a dynamic and engaging visit as part of a campus-wide event connecting high school
students with university departments. Held in Manning Hall, Room 318, the Graphic
Design station featured a hands-on challenge titled Human Typeform, centered around the theme of expressive typography. Students worked in small groups
to physically embody letters that represented the meaning of specific words such as
twist, bold, or wave, using only their bodies to shape and convey the emotion and
form of each word. The event was a big hit, and students demonstrated incredibly creative
approaches to making typography a physical and collaborative experience.
Faculty Member Selected as Judge for Memphis International Airport’s High School Art
Contest
Lucas Charles, a faculty member in the Department of Art and Design, has been selected
to serve as a judge for the 18th annual Arts in the Airport High School Visual Arts and Photography Contest, hosted by Memphis International
Airport. The competition celebrates the creativity of local high school students through
a two-round judging process that recognizes outstanding work in both painting and
photography. The contest will conclude with a celebratory event on May 9, where winners
will be announced and honored. A longstanding community favorite, the program continues
to offer young artists a valuable platform to showcase their talents.
Music Professor McCain wins Blackwell Prize
Dr. Artina McCain is the inaugural winner of the Blackwell Prize in Music. For the
past 10 years the Blackwell Prize honors artistic luminaries from multiple disciplines
art, writing, film making and now music. Sponsored by the Blackwell Trust and University
of West Georgia. Learn More >
Art and Design Professor Included in Cleveland Exhibition
Assistant Professor Yangbin Park has been honored with inclusion in the prestigious
13th Annual Juried Exhibition, "INTERWOVEN ASPECTS: Innovation and Tradition in Paper
Art," hosted at the Morgan Conservatory in Cleveland, OH. His artwork, "??? ??? ???
(eo l)," earned him distinction as one of only two recipients of the Morgan Art of
Merit Award. This significant recognition highlights Park's innovative exploration
of paper art, merging traditional techniques with contemporary artistic expressions.
The exhibition will be on display through April 29th, showcasing leading artists who
are redefining the possibilities of paper as an artistic medium.
Art and Design Professor Presents in Puerto Rico
Department of Art and Design assistant professor Yangbin Park recently represented
the University of Memphis at the 2025 Southern Graphics Council International (SGCI)
in San Juan, Puerto Rico—the world’s leading printmaking conference. Park participated
in the POSSIBILITIES/POSIBILIDADES panel and the Shifting Tongues themed portfolio exhibition. In the panel, Park and collaborator Danqi Cai presented
Between Sheets and Scripts: Translation Through Print and Paper, a project blending printmaking and papermaking to explore cultural and linguistic
translation using handmade techniques like Joomchi. For the exhibition, Park showcased
a piece connecting language and consciousness through imagery inspired by the Korean
word for “shadow” (?????????) and psychoanalytic ideas. Both projects were well-received
and highlighted UofM’s growing impact in contemporary printmaking.
Art and Design Student Celeste Curran Successfully Defends Thesis
Art History Egyptology M.A. student Celeste Curran successfully defended her thesis
"Maatkare, Neferure, Thutmose III, and Dynastic Succession: Dismantling the Myth of
Neferure's Heirship" and has been accepted into the Ph.D. program in Art and Archaeology
of the Mediterranean World at the University of Pennsylvania.
Communication and Film Professor to host Virtual Learning Opportunity
Communication and Film professor Marina Levia is the organizer and moderator for the
National Communication Association Virtual Learning Opportunity "Understanding Authoritarinism:
Lessons from Ukraine and Europe".
Authoritarianism in the U.S. is deeply tied to culture and communication. This virtual event gathers international scholars to explore how Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its rhetoric shape global authoritarian trends, and why understanding these connections is key to resisting them. Learn More >
Matt Haught Elected AEJMC Vice President
Dr. Matt Haught, Department Chair of the Journalism and Strategic Media program, has
been elected vice president of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass
Communications (AEJMC). He will begin his role on Oct. 1, 2025, and go through the
leadership ladder before beginning his term as AEJMC president for the 2027-28 academic
year.
Haught joined the faculty at UofM in 2013 after earning his Ph.D. in Mass Communications from the University of South Carolina. He specializes in visual communications and teaches design, photography, creative strategy and multimedia communications to undergraduate and graduate students.
Dean Co-Authors Chapter in Landmark Second Edition of Music Therapy Handbook
Dr. Debra Burns, Dean of the College of Communication and Fine Arts, continues to
shape the field of music therapy with the publication of Chapter 28: Music Therapy
for Specific Medical Conditions in the newly released second edition of the Music
Therapy Handbook. Co-authored with John Mondanaro, the chapter explores advanced clinical
applications of music therapy across diverse medical settings.
Rich with case studies and grounded in current research and theory, the Handbook is widely praised for its expanded focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and cultural humility. With 85% new content and contributions from leading voices in the profession, this comprehensive resource is quickly becoming a cornerstone in music therapy education and practice. Learn More >
Art History Majors Selected to Present at SUNY New Paltz Undergraduate Research Conference
Three art history majors in the Department of Art and Design have been selected to
present their original research at the prestigious SUNY New Paltz Undergraduate Art
History Research Conference, taking place April 3–7.
Marlaina Miller will present Aeolipiles: Fire-breathers of the Renaissance, Addison Cucchiaro will share The Sleeping Beauty: Venus and Cupid by Artemisia Gentileschi and the Spectacle of a Goddess at Rest, and Elaina Fleming will present Japanese Y??kai and Other Supernatural Creatures in Ukiyo-e Printmaking of the Edo (Tokugawa) Period. Learn More >
Art and Design Faculty Member Delivers Keynote at Alabama Art History Graduate Conference
Dr. Rebecca Howard, Assistant Professor in the Department of Art and Design, was invited
to serve as the keynote speaker for the 2025 Art History Graduate Conference, co-hosted
by the University of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Her presentation, Mnemonic Spaces in Italian Renaissance Portraiture, was delivered on Friday, March 28 at the University of Alabama and explored the intersection of memory, identity, and spatial representation in Renaissance portraiture. Howard’s research continues to make a significant impact in the field of art history and visual culture.
North Carolina Reads Book Club Spotlight on Hungry Roots
Dr. Wendy Atkins-Sayre, Chair of Communication and Film, will join co-author Dr. Ashli
Quesinberry Stokes for a virtual discussion on April 28 as part of the 2025 North
Carolina Reads series.
Their book, Hungry Roots: How Food Communicates Appalachia’s Search for Resilience, is the featured April selection and explores how Appalachian foodways express identity, resilience, and cultural memory while challenging stereotypes.
School of Music Faculty Member Joins Legendary Count Basie Orchestra as Bass Trombonist
Congratulations to Dr. Martin McCain, Associate Professor of Trombone at the Rudi
E. Scheidt School of Music, on his appointment as bass trombonist with the world-renowned
Count Basie Orchestra.
Now celebrating its 90th anniversary and fresh off its 20th Grammy win, the Count Basie Orchestra welcomes Dr. McCain as only the sixth bass trombonist in the ensemble’s storied history. This prestigious appointment marks an exciting new chapter in Dr. McCain’s distinguished performance career.
New Co-Authors Article on Ancient Networks in Graeco-Roman Egypt
Darcy Hackley, faculty member in Art and Design and the Institute of Egyptian Art
and Archaeology, has co-authored a new scholarly article titled Weak Ties on Old Roads: Inscribed Stopping-Places and Complex Networks in the Eastern
Desert of Graeco-Roman Egypt.
Written in collaboration with Jennifer Gates-Foster (UNC Chapel Hill) and Bérangère Redon (HiSoMA, Lyon), the article explores the social and logistical networks embedded in ancient desert travel routes. It is now available in the open-access journal Open Archaeology from DeGruyter. Learn More >
Adopting Greyhounds Documentary Premieres at Regional Film Festivals
David Goodman, faculty member in the Department of Communication and Film, premiered
his feature-length documentary Adopting Greyhounds, a moving exploration of the Mid-South Greyhound Adoption Option (MSGAO) and the
closure of greyhound racing in the region.
The film has been featured at both the Made in Arkansas Film Festival and Indie Memphis, highlighting Goodman’s powerful storytelling and the emotional impact of a changing industry on animals and adopters alike.
Professor Presents on Publishing and Art in Healthcare at National NAEA Conference
Bryna Bobick, Professor of Art Education, represented the University of Memphis at
the 2025 National Art Education Association (NAEA) Conference in Louisville, KY, where
she delivered two impactful presentations.
In a panel titled Want to Write a Book? Expert Guidance on How to Publish Your Work, Bobick shared insights alongside Dr. Debrah Sickler-Voigt, Jamie Klinger-Krebs, and Julia Dolinger. She also co-presented Healing Through Learning: Integrating Art Education into Healthcare with UofM Art Education alumna Sarah Camp-Wheeler, who now works at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Their session explored the transformative role of art education in healthcare settings.
L’Amant Anonyme Featured in Opera Philadelphia Performance
Stephen Karr, Music Director for Opera and Assistant Professor at the Rudi E. Scheidt
School of Music, continues to make a national and international impact with his co-edited
edition of L’Amant Anonyme, the only surviving opera by Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges.
Most recently performed by Opera Philadelphia, this edition—originally premiered by Los Angeles Opera in 2020—has been used in productions across the U.S. and Europe. Karr’s work helps bring renewed attention to Saint-Georges, a groundbreaking Black composer of the 18th century whose music is experiencing a long-overdue revival. Learn More >
Department of Communication and Film Faculty Member Named 2025 Cashdollar Distinguished
Visiting Professor
Dr. Joy V. Goldsmith has been selected for the prestigious 2025 Cashdollar Distinguished
Visiting Professorship at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College
of Nursing. As an expert in human communication science, Dr. Goldsmith will lead a
program focused on palliative care communication and advance care directives in nursing.
This endowed professorship honors Mrs. Cashdollar’s vision of improving end-of-life
care through education, benefiting both nurses and healthcare providers.
Elise Blatchford Joins International Contemporary Ensemble for Oberlin Residency
Scheidt School of Music faculty member Elise Blatchford will perform with the International
Contemporary Ensemble (ICE) on flute during a residency at Oberlin Conservatory of
Music, culminating in a special performance on March 14, 2025. An Oberlin alumna and
an accomplished contemporary classical musician, Blatchford joins ICE in their innovative
program, Composing While Black, Volume I. Featuring works by Courtney Bryan, Allison Loggins-Hull, Yaz Lancaster, and Nicole
Mitchell, the performance highlights the ensemble’s commitment to collaboration and
musical exploration.
JRSM Faculty to Present Super Bowl Ad Research at International Communication Association
Conference
Dr. Ruoxu Wang in the Department of Journalism and Strategic Media, along with co-authors
Dr. Jin Yang and Joel Nichols, will present their research paper, A Content Analysis of User Engagement and Trends of Super Bowl Ads 2015–2024, at the 75th Annual Conference of the International Communication Association (ICA).
The conference will take place June 12–16, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency & Grand Hyatt
in Denver, Colorado. Their study examines a decade of Super Bowl advertising trends
and audience engagement, contributing valuable insights into media and marketing strategies.
UofM Alum Thomas M. Fuerst to Discuss New Book on Prophetic Rhetoric at Novel
Join Novel bookstore on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 6 PM CST for an engaging conversation
between UofM PhD alum Dr. Thomas M. Fuerst and Dr. Andre E. Johnson. Fuerst will discuss
his new book, Prophetic Peril: The Rhetoric of Nineteenth-Century African American Prophetic Call
Narratives, which explores the prophetic voices of Maria Stewart, Nat Turner, Julia Foote, and
Richard Allen. Don’t miss this thought-provoking discussion on history, rhetoric,
and resistance. Learn More >
Architecture Students Partner with CRA to Reimagine Memphis Neighborhood
Students in the Architecture Design Studio 2 course, led by professors Andrew Parks
and Michael Hagge, are bringing visionary design to life in collaboration with the
Memphis and Shelby County Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). Tasked with developing
a small area plan, these students are designing innovative building prototypes to
help revitalize a key Memphis neighborhood. Their work will shape the future of the
area bounded by Marble Avenue, Wells Avenue, Thomas Street, and North 7th Street,
blending creativity with real-world impact.
Art Education Students Bring Creativity to LeBonheur Patients Through Seacrest Studios
Undergraduate art education majors in the Department of Art and Design are turning
the Ryan Seacrest Studio at LeBonheur Children’s Hospital into a hub of creativity
this spring! As part of Lights, Camera, Art Education 2025!, students are developing
and recording engaging art lessons for young patients, allowing them to explore their
creativity right from their hospital rooms. Each week, patients can follow along and
create their own works of art, bringing moments of joy and self-expression to their
healing journey.
Dr. Bill McKeown Edits New Landmark Edition of The Stones of Venice
For the first time in over a century, John Ruskin’s The Stones of Venice will be available in an unabridged edition, thanks to the scholarship of Dr. Bill
McKeown. Published by the University of Toronto Press as part of The Lorenzo Da Ponte
Italian Library, this new edition—set for release on April 9, 2025—includes updated
endnotes, an introductory essay by Dr. McKeown, and reproductions of Ruskin’s original
sketches of Venetian architecture. This long-awaited publication reintroduces a literary
and architectural masterpiece to a new generation of readers.
Dr. Elja Roy’s Documentary Ochin Pakhi to Screen at 2025 London Bengali Film Festival
Dr. Elja Roy, faculty member in the Department of Communication and Film, is making
an impact on the global stage! Her documentary feature, Ochin Pakhi, has been officially
selected for the 2025 London Bengali Film Festival—the largest Bengali film festival
outside of Bengal. This prestigious festival celebrates films from and about the Bengali
diaspora, showcasing powerful storytelling and cultural narratives.
Mary Wilson Co-Founds Prestigious American National Oratorio Competition
Dr. Mary Wilson, professor at the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music, is making a lasting
impact on the classical music world as the co-founder and director of the inaugural
American National Oratorio Competition. Partnering with mezzo-soprano Meg Bragle and
the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park, Wilson has helped create a vital platform
for emerging oratorio singers.
The competition, held in Winter Park, FL, awarded top honors to mezzo-soprano Claire McCahan, with tenors Morgan Mastrangelo and Tyrese Byrd securing second and third place. This groundbreaking initiative not only celebrates vocal excellence but also paves the way for the future of oratorio singing in America.
Journalism Student Erika Konig Places in National Hearst Competition
The Department of Journalism and Strategic Media continues to shine on the national
stage! Senior journalism major Erika Konig placed seventh in the prestigious William
Randolph Hearst college journalism competition’s Audio Category, standing out among
57 entries.
Her award-winning radio features, broadcast on WKNO-FM, explored the impact of budget cuts on Memphis Area Transit Authority and the cultural significance of cricket among Memphis’ immigrant communities. A first-generation college student, Erika credits her success to the mentorship and support of her professors and the Institute for Public Service Reporting.
Her achievement adds to UofM’s legacy of excellence in audio journalism, following past national wins by fellow students. Congratulations, Erika!
Dr. Wendy Atkins-Sayre Presents Appalachian Resilience Research at Fairmont State
Presidential Speaker Series
Dr. Wendy Atkins-Sayre, Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication and
Film, along with co-author Dr. Ashli Quesinberry Stokes of UNC Charlotte, recently
presented their research as part of Fairmont State University’s Spring 2025 Presidential
Speaker Series, Appalachian Resilience. Their work, featured in their book Hungry
Roots: How Food Communicates Appalachia’s Search for Resilience (University of South
Carolina Press, 2024), challenges stereotypes surrounding Appalachian food culture
and highlights the region’s rich and diverse culinary traditions. Their participation
underscores the importance of food as a lens for understanding cultural identity,
resilience, and inclusivity. Learn More >
Dr. Elja Roy Publishes Book Chapter on Community-Based Media in the Sundarbans
Congratulations to Dr. Elja Roy on the publication of her book chapter, "Musical Mangrove:
Community-Based Media Making in the Sundarbans," featured in Bloomsbury Academic’s
Global Challenges in the Environmental Humanities series. Her work appears in River
Delta Futures: Endangered Communities in Audiovisual Media, an anthology edited by
Francisco-J. Hernández Adrián and Angelos Theocharis. This important contribution
explores the intersection of media, music, and environmental challenges in one of
the world’s most fragile ecosystems. Learn More >
Ramona Sonin Lee Named Director of Memphis Art and Fashion Week at Brooks Museum
Big news in the Memphis fashion and art scene! Ramona Sonin Lee, Associate Professor
of Practice in Art and Design, has been named Chair of Fashion Programming at the
Brooks Museum and Director of Memphis Art and Fashion Week. With her creative vision
at the helm, this year’s MAFW promises to be an unforgettable celebration of couture,
streetwear, and wearable art.
Dr. Martin McCain Tours Europe and Japan with Legendary Count Basie Orchestra
Dr. Martin McCain, Associate Professor of Trombone at the School of Music, recently
completed an international tour with the iconic Count Basie Orchestra. The ensemble,
the most decorated big band in jazz history with 20 Grammy wins, performed at the
Monte Carlo Jazz Festival and held residencies at renowned venues such as Blue Note
Tokyo, Blue Note Milano, and Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London. This milestone tour
comes as the orchestra celebrates its 90th anniversary.
Andre E. Johnson Earns Prestigious National Communication Awards
Andre E. Johnson, professor in Communication and Film, has been recognized with three
major honors from the National Communication Association. He received the Douglass
W. Ehninger Distinguished Rhetorical Scholar Award, as well as two Outstanding Book
Chapter Awards—one from the African American Communication and Culture Division for
his analysis of W. E. B. Du Bois’ political prophecy, and another from the Spiritual
Communication Division for his exploration of Black Lives Matter’s spiritual rhetoric.
School of Music’s Francis Cathlina to Conduct at Carnegie Hall
Francis Cathlina, Director of Choral Activities at the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music,
will take the podium at the iconic Carnegie Hall in May 2025. As part of a prestigious
residency, he will lead choirs from across the nation alongside the renowned New England
Symphonic Ensemble. The residency begins on May 8 and culminates in a grand performance
on May 11, highlighting Cathlina’s artistry on one of the world’s most celebrated
stages.
The Department of Theatre & Dance Partners with Collage Dance Collective for Groundbreaking
Collaboration
The Dance Science program is launching an exciting new partnership with Collage Dance
Collective, giving BFA majors hands-on experience in strength and conditioning for
injury prevention and performance enhancement. This collaboration not only connects
students with the professional dance community but also paves the way for future research
opportunities—including student-led studies. With room to grow, the initiative aims
to expand to other dance organizations, further strengthening the Department of Theatre
& Dance’s role in advancing the field of dance science.
Professor Lenny Schranze to Serve as Guest Artist at Interlochen Arts Academy
This spring, Lenny Schranze, Professor of Viola in the School of Music, will be a
visiting guest artist at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan. Working with the
academy’s exceptional young violists, he will share insights from his lifelong research
and teaching passions—developing a positive, directed technique for viola repertoire,
shaping expressive phrasing, and mastering audition preparation.
Dr. Ruoxu Wang to Present at ICA and Publishes Three Articles
Exciting accomplishments for Dr. Ruoxu Wang! She will present two research papers
at the 2025 International Communication Association (ICA) conference in Boulder, CO,
this June. Her research explores user engagement with Super Bowl ads and the impact
of deepfake disinformation on audiences.
Additionally, Dr. Wang has published three articles in 2024, covering topics such as health cues in online dating, university leadership during COVID-19, and news engagement on smartphones.
BUCOM Workshop Equips Participants with Essential Communication Tools
Faculty, staff, and students gathered in the Team-Based Learning (TBL) Room at BUCOM
for an interactive workshop aimed at strengthening communication skills in clinical
and educational settings. Titled Essential Communication Tools of the Trade: Cultural Humility and Health Literacy, the session, led by Dr. Joy V. Goldsmith, a professor in the Department of Communication
and Film and a leading expert in health communication, provided strategies to enhance
respectful, culturally informed interactions. Participants explored techniques for
improving patient outcomes, navigating communication challenges, and fostering inclusive
learning environments. The workshop also served as a valuable networking opportunity,
reinforcing BUCOM’s commitment to person-centered education and health care.
Dr. Bryna Bobick Named TAEA Art Administrator of the Year
Congratulations to Dr. Bryna Bobick on being selected as the 2025 Tennessee Art Education
Association’s Art Administrator of the Year! This prestigious honor recognizes her
dedication to arts education and leadership in the field.
Art Education Partners with Brooks Museum for Community Art Academy
Get ready for a creative adventure! For the second year in a row, Art Education students
from the University of Memphis are teaming up with the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
to host the Community Art Academy, a dynamic, season-long program where kids ages 9-12 can dive into watercolor painting,
oil pastels, acrylics, and even sculpture—all for free! This year’s theme, “Finding Peace and Happiness Within a Museum,” invites young artists to create in the inspiring setting of the museum’s galleries,
with a grand exhibition and reception showcasing their work on April 16. UofM students
gain hands-on teaching experience, while participants discover new skills, make friends,
and explore the power of art. Classes kick off on Wednesdays—Feb. 26, Mar. 5, 26,
and Apr. 2 and 9—but hurry, registration closes Feb. 12, and spots are filling fast
with a growing waitlist! Learn More >
Dr. Craig Stewart Named Co-PI on $2M NSF Grant to Strengthen STEM Identity and Success
Dr. Craig Stewart, Professor of Communication and Director of Graduate Studies in
the Department of Communication & Film, is co-PI on a newly awarded $2 million National
Science Foundation grant, Bridging the Gaps: Cultivating STEM Identity and Success through STEM Outreach, Networking,
and Scholarships. Led by PI Dr. Stephanie Ivey (Herff College of Engineering) and a team of interdisciplinary
colleagues, this project aims to strengthen STEM identities through outreach, advance
research on STEM identity formation, and provide financial support to students through
scholarships. This transformative initiative will empower the next generation of STEM
leaders by fostering engagement, inclusion, and success.
Dr. Kellie Carstensen Honored with Two Prestigious Awards at NCA Conference
Congratulations to Dr. Kellie Carstensen on her outstanding achievements at this year’s
NCA Conference! She received the Top Papers in the Organizational Communication Division award for her coauthored paper, "The Decoupling Dilemma in Nonprofit Communication: Negotiating Postcolonial and Relational
Spaces in Child Sponsorship Promotional Materials." Additionally, she was honored with the Outstanding Recent Scholarship Award from the Language and Social Interaction Division for her influential article on
cultural discourse analysis in U.S. English language education. Dr. Carstensen’s work
continues to make a significant impact in organizational communication and language
education—well deserved!
Kristen Hill Wins Indie Memphis Audience Award
Congratulations to Kristen Hill, Instructor and Recruiter for Film and Video, on receiving
the prestigious Indie Memphis Audience Award! This recognition highlights her outstanding
work and impact in the film community, celebrating her talent and dedication to storytelling.
Professor of Practice Andrew Parks Honored with 2024 AIA Memphis President’s Award
Professor of Practice Andrew Parks has been awarded the prestigious 2024 President’s
Award from AIA Memphis, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the field of
architecture. Presented by AIA Memphis President Jason Weeks (2001 BFA-Architecture)
at the Celebration of Architecture Gala, this marks the second consecutive year that
a faculty member from the Department of Architecture has received the honor—following
last year’s recipient, Professor Michael Hagge.
Mandy Young and Craig Stewart Publish Article in Southern Communication Journal
Congratulations to Mandy Young and Dr. Craig Stewart on their newly published article,
"Sickle Cell Journeys: Healthcare Providers at the Front Lines," in the Southern Communication Journal. Their research sheds light on the experiences of healthcare providers in sickle cell
treatment, offering valuable insights into communication and care in medical settings.
Learn More >
College of Communication and Fine Arts Faculty and Staff Awards
Congratulations to Kate Roberts on receiving the Dean's Creative Achievement Award,
Kelsey Harrison on earning the Dean's Engaged Scholarship Award, and Delilah Bryant
on being honored with the College Ann Dunn Staff Award!
Art and Design Promotions
A huge congratulations to Michael Schmidt on his well-deserved promotion to Full Professor
of Graphic Design! And cheers to Kate Roberts for her outstanding accomplishment of
being promoted to Associate Professor of Ceramics with Tenure!
Community Art Academy
The Art Education Program at the University of Memphis is proud to partner with the
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art to host the 2024 Community Art Academy! Learn More >
CCFA Runner-Up Dean's Award for Academic Advising
Congratulations to Michael Schmidt and Coe Lapossey for earning the 2023 CCFA Runner-Up
Dean's Award for Academic Advising!
Second State Press
Professor Park is invited as a distinguished guest juror for a national juried open
call at the Second State Press. Learn More >
Virtual and in-person Lecture by: Dr. Lorelei H. Corcoran
“The ‘Mummy Portraits’ of Roman Egypt: Status, Ethnicity, and Magic”
Sponsored by the Harvard Art Museums this Thursday, October 6th at 6:00 EST by zoom.
CCFA Dean's Award for Outstanding Research
Congratulations to Dr. Bryna Bobick for earning the 2022 CCFA Dean's Award for Outstanding
Research!
UofM Excellence in Academic Advising, Faculty Advisor Award
Congratulations to Lucas Charles for earning the 2022 UofM Excellence in Academic
Advising, Faculty Advisor Award!
CCFA Dean's Award for Academic Advising
Congratulations to Lucas Charles for earning the 2022 CCFA Dean's Award for Academic
Advising!
Ancient Egypt Family Day
The Institute of Egyptian Art & Archaeology is sponsoring an online version of its
annual Ancient Egypt Family Day this year in place of its traditional on campus event.
Content will be available from April 18 through September 30, 2022.
Travel back in time and explore the wonders of ancient Egypt with the help of the University of Memphis (Tennessee) IEAA! Write your name in hieroglyphs, color a mask while learning about ancient Egyptian gods, and much more. There are lots of fun and interesting activities for all! Learn More >