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.
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