Mission, Values and Strategic Plan
The University of Alabama’s College of Communication and Information Sciences is a comprehensive multidisciplinary division in which teaching, research and service are focused on shared creation, presentation, dissemination, retrieval, collection, analysis and evaluation of messages and meanings in a variety of settings. The mission is supported by one of the country’s most diverse combinations of academic and service programs.
Values
- Personal and professional excellence
- Creativity and intellectual curiosity
- Interpersonal adaptability and negotiation
- Integrity and ethical grounding
- Diversity and appreciation for differences
- Passion and resilience
- Collaboration and unity
Our commitment to fostering diversity
In the University of Alabama’s College of Communication and Information Sciences, diversity is celebrated, appreciated and embraced. As outlined in the College’s Diversity Plan, we encourage the exploration and appreciation of diversity in everything from college-wide communication to the classes in our curriculum and student organizations designed to build leadership skills in the area of diversity.
Our efforts in diversity have been nationally recognized by the AEJMC and used as a model for the International Mass Communication Training and Research Center. Each year, the College’s regional diversity symposium attracts community members and scholars who share their research in diversity and facilitate conversations on topics surrounding diversity.
In charting our path forward, C&IS faculty, staff and alumni outlined a plan toward five strategic priorities: cultivate high-quality academic programs, enhance the research culture, improve the internal and external communities, provide a learning environment that promotes diversity, equity, leadership and service, and strengthen the national and international profiles of the College. These priorities and goals are outlined in our C&IS 2016-2021 Strategic Plan Document.
Communicator Magazine
Our latest issue features stories about how C&IS researchers are investigating ways to improve messaging for severe weather alerts to save lives, how the Alabama Debate Society is partnering with educators around the state to bring speech and debate to Alabama high schools, how C&IS’ Industry Immersion program is developing students professionally by taking them to big-city markets to network with alumni and industry-leading executives, and how in just 10 years, Capstone Agency has evolved from a handful of students into the nation’s best student-run firm. Click here to check out recent issues of Communicator.
Executive Council
The Executive Council of the College of Communication and Information Sciences is composed of the Dean, assistant and associate deans, directors and department chairs who serve the college in a leadership capacity. This council serves in an advisory role to the Dean and represents the faculty and staff as they work to achieve the college’s mission, vision and strategic priorities.
Dr. Mark Nelson
Dean 
Dr. Kim Bissell
Associate Dean for Research 
Dr. Bill Evans
Associate Dean for Graduate Studies 
Dr. Suzanne Horsley
Assistant Dean of Accreditation, Assessment and Diversity
Dr. Mark Nelson
DeanDr. Kim Bissell
Associate Dean for ResearchDr. Bill Evans
Associate Dean for Graduate StudiesDr. Suzanne Horsley
Assistant Dean of Accreditation, Assessment and Diversity
Dr. Sara Hartley
Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Studies and External Relations 
Dr. Elva Bradley
Assistant to the Dean for Grants and Collaborative Activity 
Dr. Damion Waymer
Department Chair for Advertising and Public Relations 
Dr. Cory Armstrong
Department Chair for Journalism and Creative Media
Dr. Sara Hartley
Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Studies and External RelationsDr. Elva Bradley
Assistant to the Dean for Grants and Collaborative ActivityDr. Damion Waymer
Department Chair for Advertising and Public RelationsDr. Cory Armstrong
Department Chair for Journalism and Creative Media
NOT PICTURED: Dr. Beth S. Bennett, Senior Associate Dean
Board of Visitors
Awards
The College of Communication and Information Sciences is committed to recognizing and honoring outstanding contributions to the fields of communication and information. Each year, we work with our Board of Visitors, Executive Council, faculty, staff, alumni and friends to identify those deserving of recognition for their work. For more information on our college-wide awards, or to nominate a candidate, please click the links below.
