College of Communication and Fine Arts
2026-27 School Year Begins Monday, Dean Gives Out Awards at Annual Meeting
Friday, 21 August 2026
On Friday, Aug. 21, the CCFA met for the Annual Meeting before classes start on Monday, Aug. 24. Dean Debra Burns laid out her vision for the year, newly hired faculty and staff were introduced and awards were given out for the past year.
he award winners were:
Staff Excellence in Student Support Award
- Bryan Blankenship – Art and Design
For over 25 years as a dedicated employee of the university, including the last 15 years supporting students in the Art Department, Bryan has been an exceptional role model and mentor. He is consistently available to guide students through their projects, emphasizing the development of independent problem-solving skills rather than simply providing answers. His commitment to student growth fosters confidence, creativity, and self-sufficiency in the next generation of artists.
Staff Innovation and Problem-Solving Award
- Amy Salerno Hale – Theatre and Dance
Amy brings thoughtful administration, creativity, and calm problem-solving to extraordinarily complex productions, helping artists, technicians, students, and colleagues turn ambitious ideas into successful performances. Amy exemplifies the indispensable work that happens behind the scenes—anticipating challenges, coordinating people and resources, and finding practical solutions that allow everyone else to do their best work.
Staff Outstanding Collaboration Award
- Keli Loveland – Journalism and Strategic Media
Keli has become the bridge to connect students and faculty with college and university resources to solve their everyday problems. She embodies the collaborative spirit, helping faculty, staff, and students to think through how they can solve problems together as a team. The department and college is grateful for her willingness to get stuff done and figure out every challenge.
Staff Cultural and Creative Stewardship Award
- Kaleb Ritchie – School of Music
Kaleb’s contributions bridge artistic excellence, operational leadership, and community engagement. He has modernized performance-venue technology and helped facilitate the opening of the Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center. Through his leadership and musicianship, Kaleb strengthens the School of Music’s creative identity and helps connect its work with students, alumni, artists, and audiences.
Staff Rising Star Award
- Emily Draffen – CCFA
Emily brings an exceptional combination of artistic experience, communications expertise, student-centered service, and enthusiasm to her work as Assistant Director of Recruitment and Admissions for CCFA. A professional actor and accomplished playwright, she understands firsthand the aspirations of young artists. Emily’s initiative, adaptability, and genuine commitment to people have already made her an important ambassador for the college. Before joining the CCFA team, she served as communications specialist for the Department of Theatre & Dance, where she significantly increased the visibility of the department its yearly productions.
Dean's Award for Creative Achievement
- Brian Ruggaber – Theatre and Dance
Brian’s recent work has included seven productions across four states and Washington, D.C., as well as two television productions. Through nationally recognized artistic achievement, a commitment to equity and inclusion, and dedicated mentorship of University of Memphis students and alumni, Brian made a lasting impact on both the professional theatre community and the next generation of artists.
Dean's Award for Excellence in Engaged Scholarship
- Francis Cathlina – School of Music
As a conductor, educator, and scholar, Francis has built meaningful connections between the University of Memphis and partners across the city and beyond. From developing impactful educational partnerships to creating innovative, interdisciplinary performances, his work has advanced music education while inspiring students, educators, and audiences alike.
Dean's Award for Outstanding Research
- Rebecca Howard – Art and Design
As a scholar of Renaissance art and visual culture, Rebecca has forged meaningful connections between the humanities and the sciences through her research on memory, identity, and early modern Italy. From her just published book on portraiture and mnemonics to her influential publications on race, emotion, and representation, her work has expanded the boundaries of art historical inquiry while fostering new ways of understanding how images shape human thought and experience.
Advising Award Runner Up
- Taylor Ackerman – Journalism and Strategic Media
Taylor’s careful advising and mentoring of students is recognized across the department of Journalism and Strategic Media. She coaches her students as much as she advises them, being their cheering section and their mentor. Because of Taylor’s dedication to advising, her students are prepared to face any challenge.
Advising Award Winner
- Matt Farmer – Communication and Film
In just his third year as a faculty member in Communication Studies, Matt has made a huge impact as a faculty advisor, as evidenced by his winning the advising runner up award last year, and this year winning the big prize. He goes above and beyond not only for his students, but for his colleagues. Our students and our department have benefitted enomously from Matt’s excellent work as an advisor and coordinator.
Benjamin W. Rawlins, Jr. Meritorious Professorship Award
- Lenny Schranze – School of Music
As a violinist, teacher, and scholar, Lenny Schranze has demonstrated sustained excellence in creative activity, teaching, service, and outreach throughout his career at the University of Memphis. From building a vibrant chamber music program and mentoring aspiring musicians to maintaining an international performance profile and influencing music education through national partnerships, his work has had a lasting impact on students, colleagues, and communities. Through artistic distinction, pedagogical innovation, and dedicated leadership, he embodies the highest ideals of the Benjamin W. Rawlins, Jr. Meritorious Professorship.