On a Friday evening in late March, a room full of curious minds gathered to hear C&IS assistant professor Dr. A.J. Bauer talk about his latest book, Making the Liberal Media: How Conservatives Built a Movement Against the Press. The conversation that unfolded was as timely as it was historically rich. As a historian, ethnographer and former journalist, Bauer brought a unique perspective to the discussion, tracing how…
Adding to a growing list of accolades, Mark Barry was recently honored with a Silver Medal from the American Advertising Federation (AAF), demonstrating once again the caliber of talent within the College of Communication and Information Sciences (C&IS). The award is the highest honor the AAF can give members who have exemplified long-term contributions to the advertising industry…
Inside Gorgas Library, the future of the advertising and PR industry was on full display as students from across the College of Communication and Information Sciences (C&IS) gathered for A+PR Day. This day-long immersion served as a bridge between the classroom and the professional world. From high-level keynote insights to panel discussions on the rise of artificial intelligence, the event provided comprehensive advice for aspiring advertisers and PR professionals ready to…
In the high-stakes world of advertising, a strong portfolio isn’t just a collection of work; it’s key to career opportunities. Since its inception in 2015, Minerva has served as a launchpad for College of Communication and Information Sciences (C&IS) students aiming to earn spots at the industry’s top agencies. Led by Associate Professor Mark Barry, this opportunity is more than just a course. Minerva is a collaborative hub where students can create materials that allow students to develop a strong…
Senior News Media major Cooper Townsend is gaining recognition for his work in audio journalism through Alabama Public Radio (APR). Townsend, who currently serves as an intern with the station, recently placed in the national Hearst Audio Awards for his reporting. He tied for 20th out of the record 78 entries entered in the competition. His audio piece focused on a fundraiser in Huntsville, Alabama, where…
School of Library and Information Studies (SLIS) associate professor and poet Jeff Weddle has earned national recognition with a silver medal in the 2026 Feathered Quill Book Awards for his poem collection Letter to Xhevdet Bajraj. Letter to Xhevdet Bajraj is the condensed English edition of the collection of poems first published in Albanian translation. The project reflects an ongoing international dialogue in Weddle’s work, particularly his literary connection to Kosovo. The book has received high praise from American…
The Louisiana Travel Association (LTA) celebrated the best and brightest in the state’s tourism industry during its Annual Meeting in Lafayette, presenting 21 prestigious “Louey Awards” to individuals and organizations making outstanding contributions to Louisiana travel and hospitality. College of Communication and Information (C&IS) alumni Adrienne Hennis was named the recipient of the distinguished Victor Profis (Southern Living) Memorial…
Gabby Fulkerson’s journey to the driver’s seat of the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile feels like a full-circle moment. It started back in her home state of Michigan, where she frequently visited the Henry Ford Museum, home to a 1952 Wienermobile. Everything clicked into place in the spring of 2025 when Fulkerson, then a senior in the College of Communication and Information Sciences (C&IS), attended…
At the beginning of February, Capstone Agency hosted their 2026 CreateAthon. Aiming to support nonprofit organizations, 55 students and 12 faculty members came together in Reese Phifer Hall for a full day of creativity and impactful work. This project challenged students to create marketing materials for the nonprofits, allowing them to not only give back…
The University of Alabama National Alumni Association hosted their 18 under 31 Young Alumni Awards for the Class of 2026. 18 alumni, 30 years-old or younger, were celebrated for their impact on their respective fields and communities. Three Communication and Information Sciences (C&IS) alumni were named to this year’s class. Chandler Shields Helton (17’) – A Monrovia, Alabama native, Helton holds a degree in public relations, which…
