The College of Communication and Information Sciences is proud to announce that Dr. Miriam Sweeney has been selected as the incoming director of the School of Library and Information Studies (SLIS). Dr. Sweeney will be stepping into this administrative role on July 1st as Dr. Jamie Naidoo returns to the faculty in Fall 2026 after concluding…
Honors Day is a cornerstone of the spring semester for the College of Communication and Information Sciences (C&IS). As the academic year draws to a close, the event allows the College to pause its frantic pace and come together to celebrate the hard work and accomplishments within C&IS. It serves as the official stage for recognizing the…
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…
The College of Communication and Information Sciences’ (C&IS) Andrew Billings, Ph.D., was named one of the 2026 Southeastern Conference Faculty Achievement Award recipients. Selected by the SEC Provosts, recipients of this award are elite professionals who expand the boundaries of research, enhance their university’s reputation and embody stellar performance. Since 2012, the SEC Faculty Achievement Awards have honored one faculty…
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…
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…
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…
