Industry Hires Bring Expertise to CCI Classrooms
The College of Communication and Information welcomed four industry professionals this past year to the college faculty.
Among the hires are Professor of Practice Gene Wojciechowski (‘79), Assistant Professor of Practice Brittany Tarwater (‘09), Professor of Practice Peyton Manning (‘97), and Professor of Practice Dustin Thomas.
From ESPN to CCI
Wojciechowski joined the college in August 2024 and holds the Edward J. Meeman Distinguished Professorship, which recognizes his outstanding contributions to industry and supports bringing nationally recognized industry leaders to the classroom.
Wojciechowski will teach a variety of topics including sports reporting, feature writing, and video production, and he will also serve in an advisory role for The Daily Beacon, an editorially independent student newspaper on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, campus.
Prior to his CCI appointment, Wojciechowski established himself as a distinguished sports journalist and New York Times bestselling author. An award winning-journalist, he has held prominent positions at some of the nation’s leading media organizations including the Los Angeles Times, the Dallas Morning News, and the Chicago Tribune, and ESPN.
Award-winning Journalist Brings Expertise to the Classroom
After serving as an adjunct lecturer in the School of Journalism and Media since 2019, Tarwater transitioned to her new role as assistant professor of practice starting in spring 2024.
An award-winning reporter, Tarwater brings years of experience to the classroom. Tarwater is a six-time Emmy award winner for her work at Knoxville’s WVLT News, including writing, breaking news, documentary, promotion and instructional reporting, as well as the recipient of several regional Edward R. Murrow and Tennessee Associated Press awards.
In her role as a professor of practice, Tarwater teaches television and news production and is an advisor for The Volunteer Channel, a student-run television station that allows students to get hands-on experience in many aspects of the television and film industry.
‘The Sheriff’Joins CCI Faculty
A nationally recognized media personality, entrepreneur, sports commentator, and former professional athlete, Manning adds professor to his many titles following his appointment as a professor of practice starting in the fall 2023 term.
As part of his appointment, he teaches a variety of topics that align with the college’s curriculum including sports reporting, video production and performance, leadership and communication, and public speaking.
In this new role, he has reconnected with his former advisor and instructor, Associate Professor John Haas, in his communication studies capstone course to share his experience with students. He has also been a featured speaker in Assistant Professor Shannon Scovel’s sports journalism class and Professor Erin Whiteside’s classes.
Thomas make leap to full-time position with Tombras School
Thomas lectured part-time at the Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations for more than a year and a half before accepting a position as a professor of practice.
Thomas has more than twenty years of award-winning experience in creative work, including for notable clients such as Apple, Nike, Ford, Coca-Cola, and the U.S. Navy. He’s previously taught at the Savannah College of Art and Design, developing and leading their creative technology track.
He enjoyed his part-time lecturing and the culture of the school and its faculty, students, and staff so much that it made him want to become a full-time lecturer.
Industry Hires Bring Expertise to CCI Classrooms written by Ernest Rollins and originally published on the College of Communication & Information site.