At the College of Communication & Information Sciences (C&IS), we don’t just tell stories—we amplify voices, build communities and shape the future of global communication. Recognized nationally and modeled internationally, our work goes far beyond the classroom.
Here, every story matters. We embrace every background and every perspective—because it’s in our uniqueness that real innovation begins. From collaborative curriculum to student-led initiatives, we’re cultivating change-makers who lead with empathy, courage and creativity.
Across our four dynamic departments—Advertising & Public Relations, Communication Studies, Journalism & Creative Media and the School of Library & Information Studies—students grow into leaders, storytellers and visionaries with the power to shape tomorrow’s world.
Whether you’re creating films that move hearts, leading conversations that matter or connecting communities across continents, C&IS is where your journey begins—and where your impact never ends.
OUR STORY
A Legacy of Innovation in Communication & Information
The College of Communication & Information Sciences (C&IS) at The University of Alabama is proud to be rooted in nearly a century of excellence, creativity and progress.
Our journey began on July 1, 1973, when the University brought together three dynamic units—the Department of Journalism (established in 1926), the Department of Broadcast & Film Communication (1940), and The University of Alabama Television Services (now The Center for Public Television)—to form the School of Communication. This visionary step created a space where storytelling, media and technology could come together in powerful ways.
During that inaugural year, the School also introduced the Department of Advertising & Public Relations, building on coursework that had previously lived within Journalism. This new department quickly became a launching pad for students interested in creative communication careers.
The 1980s marked a time of exciting growth. In 1980, we established University Radio Services (now Alabama Public Radio) and the Communication Research & Service Center, which has since evolved into today’s Institute for Communication & Information Research—a hub for hands-on learning and groundbreaking studies.
In 1981, our community expanded again when the Department of Speech Communication (founded in 1932) joined us from the College of Arts & Sciences. Now known as Communication Studies, this department brought with it a strong tradition of excellence in human interaction, public speaking, and rhetoric.
To reflect this remarkable expansion in scope and vision, the School of Communication became the College of Communication in 1988. Less than a decade later, in 1997, the College took another bold step forward—merging with the School of Library & Information Studies to form the College of Communication & Information Sciences we know and love today.
In 2016, we streamlined our departments even further by merging Journalism and Telecommunication & Film into one collaborative unit: the Department of Journalism & Creative Media—a modern home for multimedia storytellers, filmmakers, reporters and digital content creators.
At C&IS, our history is more than a timeline—it’s a testament to how we’ve grown with the world around us. We are proud to continue shaping the future of communication, media and information for generations of students, just like you.
At the College of Communication & Information Sciences, we drive positive change by using the power of communication and information to address societal challenges. Through our groundbreaking research, creative work and transformative partnerships, we prepare leaders and advance ideas that set new standards, drive impact and shape a stronger, more connected world.
Dean Brian Butler
At the heart of C&IS is a leader who believes in the power of community, connection and curiosity—Dr. Brian Butler, Dean of the College and a passionate advocate for students, innovation and excellence.
Dr. Butler brings with him a wealth of experience and a spirit of collaboration shaped by decades of leadership in higher education. He earned degrees in Computer Science, Information Systems and Business from Carnegie Mellon University, where he also completed his Ph.D. at the Tepper School of Business. His groundbreaking doctoral research was among the first to explore large-scale social media dynamics through computational analysis—an early signal of his lifelong commitment to understanding how people connect and thrive in digital spaces.
A nationally recognized expert in online communities, social media and organizational resilience, Dr. Butler has led and collaborated on research supported by institutions such as the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Microsoft, Facebook and Intel. He has also served in influential editorial and leadership roles across academic communities, helping to shape the future of communication and information sciences.
Before joining The University of Alabama, Dr. Butler was a professor and senior leader at the University of Maryland, where he co-founded the interdisciplinary Social Data Science Center, directed the Master of Information Management program and served as both Interim Dean and Senior Associate Dean.
Today, as Dean of C&IS, Dr. Butler is committed to building a college where students feel seen, supported and inspired—a place where every student is equipped to become a bold communicator, creative thinker and impactful leader.
Our Places and Spaces
C&IS is a vibrant community where voices rise, ideas grow and tomorrow’s leaders find their place.
Reese Phifer Hall
Reese Phifer is home to four of our five departments: Advertising & Public Relations, Communication Studies, Journalism and Creative Media and the doctoral program.
McLure Library
Newly renovated, McLure Library is home to the School of Library and Information Studies.
Saban Field at Bryant Denny Stadium
The Digital Media Center, C&IS’s state-of-the-art teaching lab and production house, occupies four floors of Bryant Denny Stadium.
The Holle Center for Communication Arts is also housed in Bryant Denny Stadium. The Holle Center is a state-of-the-art creative collaboratory designed to shape the future of 21st-century nonfiction storytelling.
Capital Hall
Capital Hall houses the Plank Center for Leadership and Public Relations, a national leader in mentorship and communication.
Learn and Thrive
C&IS is home to some of UA’s top resources and learning environments that help students study and build community.
THE HUB
This area provides students with collaboration space, private meeting rooms and plenty of comfortable seating with a modern coffee-shop feel.
THE SPEAKING STUDIO
UA’s public speaking lab is a place where students and community members go to receive feedback as they practice communication skills critical to their success.
MEDIA WRITING CENTER
Peer-to-peer mentoring and coaching is available in the C&IS writing center for students working on media writing assignments and coursework.
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