Levina Publishes Chapter on "Cultural History of Blood"

Dr. Marina Levina published a chapter titled “Cultural History of Blood” in Braaaiiinnns: Academics on Zombies, Robert Smith? (Ed.) University of Ottawa Press, 2011.

Ross Named Outstanding Communication Educator of the Year by TCA

Professor Steve Ross was awarded the Outstanding Communication Educator of the Year Award by the Tennessee Communication Association at its joint conference with the Kentucky Communication Association in September.

Graham Edits Volume of The New Encyclopedia of Southern Culture

Dr. Allison Graham, professor of communication, is editor (with Sharon Monteith) of the The New Encyclopedia of Southern Culture, Volume 18: Media (UNC Press). This volume comprises 40 thematic essays and 132 topical articles that examine major trends and seminal moments in film, television, radio, press, and Internet history. Among topics explored are the southern media boom, beginning with the Christian Broadcast Network and CNN; popular movies, television shows, and periodicals that have shaped ideas about the region, including Gone with the Wind, The Beverly Hillbillies, Roots, and Southern Living; and southern media celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Truman Capote, and Stephen Colbert.

The Department of Communication is delighted to welcome three new faculty members this fall. Dr. Leroy G. Dorsey joins the department as professor and chair, after 18 years at Texas A & M University. Dr. Dorsey’s research examines the symbols used by political figures to promote their legislative agendas, shape their identities as morally sound advocates, and transform their audiences into seemingly active agents poised to support particular agendas.

Dr. Gretchen N. Holmes joins us as an assistant professor specializing in health communication. Dr. Holmes comes to Memphis from the University of West Florida, and previously was the Research Director for the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service, where she directed CIS and partner research in Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.

And Mr. Nick Simpson joins the department as a visiting instructor in film studies. Mr. Simpson holds an MA in communication from the University of Memphis.

Additionally, two longstanding faculty members have been recognized for their contributions to research and teaching. Dr. Katherine G. Hendrix, recipient of the 2011 CCFA Dean’s Research Award, has been promoted to full professor, and Dr. Antonio de Velasco, recipient of the 2011 U of M Alumni Association Distinguished Teaching Award, has been tenured and promoted to associate professor.

Finally, Dr. Sandra Sarkela, who served the department as interim chair since February 2010, will be on sabbatical for the 2011-2012 academic year. Dr. Amanda Young, graduate director, is on medical leave for the Fall 2011 semester. Dr. Hendrix is serving as interim graduate director.