UofM Alum Thomas M. Fuerst to Discuss New Book on Prophetic Rhetoric at Novel
Join Novel bookstore on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 6 PM CST for an engaging conversation between UofM PhD alum Dr. Thomas M. Fuerst and Dr. Andre E. Johnson. Fuerst will discuss his new book, Prophetic Peril: The Rhetoric of Nineteenth-Century African American Prophetic Call Narratives, which explores the prophetic voices of Maria Stewart, Nat Turner, Julia Foote, and Richard Allen. Don’t miss this thought-provoking discussion on history, rhetoric, and resistance. Learn More >

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Architecture Students Partner with CRA to Reimagine Memphis Neighborhood
Students in the Architecture Design Studio 2 course, led by professors Andrew Parks and Michael Hagge, are bringing visionary design to life in collaboration with the Memphis and Shelby County Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). Tasked with developing a small area plan, these students are designing innovative building prototypes to help revitalize a key Memphis neighborhood. Their work will shape the future of the area bounded by Marble Avenue, Wells Avenue, Thomas Street, and North 7th Street, blending creativity with real-world impact.

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Art Education Students Bring Creativity to LeBonheur Patients Through Seacrest Studios
Undergraduate art education majors in the Department of Art and Design are turning the Ryan Seacrest Studio at LeBonheur Children’s Hospital into a hub of creativity this spring! As part of Lights, Camera, Art Education 2025!, students are developing and recording engaging art lessons for young patients, allowing them to explore their creativity right from their hospital rooms. Each week, patients can follow along and create their own works of art, bringing moments of joy and self-expression to their healing journey.

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Dr. Bill McKeown Edits New Landmark Edition of The Stones of Venice
For the first time in over a century, John Ruskin’s The Stones of Venice will be available in an unabridged edition, thanks to the scholarship of Dr. Bill McKeown. Published by the University of Toronto Press as part of The Lorenzo Da Ponte Italian Library, this new edition—set for release on April 9, 2025—includes updated endnotes, an introductory essay by Dr. McKeown, and reproductions of Ruskin’s original sketches of Venetian architecture. This long-awaited publication reintroduces a literary and architectural masterpiece to a new generation of readers.

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Dr. Elja Roy’s Documentary Ochin Pakhi to Screen at 2025 London Bengali Film Festival
Dr. Elja Roy, faculty member in the Department of Communication and Film, is making an impact on the global stage! Her documentary feature, Ochin Pakhi, has been officially selected for the 2025 London Bengali Film Festival—the largest Bengali film festival outside of Bengal. This prestigious festival celebrates films from and about the Bengali diaspora, showcasing powerful storytelling and cultural narratives.

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Mary Wilson Co-Founds Prestigious American National Oratorio Competition
Dr. Mary Wilson, professor at the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music, is making a lasting impact on the classical music world as the co-founder and director of the inaugural American National Oratorio Competition. Partnering with mezzo-soprano Meg Bragle and the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park, Wilson has helped create a vital platform for emerging oratorio singers.

The competition, held in Winter Park, FL, awarded top honors to mezzo-soprano Claire McCahan, with tenors Morgan Mastrangelo and Tyrese Byrd securing second and third place. This groundbreaking initiative not only celebrates vocal excellence but also paves the way for the future of oratorio singing in America.

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Journalism Student Erika Konig Places in National Hearst Competition
The Department of Journalism and Strategic Media continues to shine on the national stage! Senior journalism major Erika Konig placed seventh in the prestigious William Randolph Hearst college journalism competition’s Audio Category, standing out among 57 entries.

Her award-winning radio features, broadcast on WKNO-FM, explored the impact of budget cuts on Memphis Area Transit Authority and the cultural significance of cricket among Memphis’ immigrant communities. A first-generation college student, Erika credits her success to the mentorship and support of her professors and the Institute for Public Service Reporting.

Her achievement adds to UofM’s legacy of excellence in audio journalism, following past national wins by fellow students. Congratulations, Erika!

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Dr. Wendy Atkins-Sayre Presents Appalachian Resilience Research at Fairmont State Presidential Speaker Series
Dr. Wendy Atkins-Sayre, Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication and Film, along with co-author Dr. Ashli Quesinberry Stokes of UNC Charlotte, recently presented their research as part of Fairmont State University’s Spring 2025 Presidential Speaker Series, Appalachian Resilience. Their work, featured in their book Hungry Roots: How Food Communicates Appalachia’s Search for Resilience (University of South Carolina Press, 2024), challenges stereotypes surrounding Appalachian food culture and highlights the region’s rich and diverse culinary traditions. Their participation underscores the importance of food as a lens for understanding cultural identity, resilience, and inclusivity. Learn More >

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Dr. Elja Roy Publishes Book Chapter on Community-Based Media in the Sundarbans
Congratulations to Dr. Elja Roy on the publication of her book chapter, "Musical Mangrove: Community-Based Media Making in the Sundarbans," featured in Bloomsbury Academic’s Global Challenges in the Environmental Humanities series. Her work appears in River Delta Futures: Endangered Communities in Audiovisual Media, an anthology edited by Francisco-J. Hernández Adrián and Angelos Theocharis. This important contribution explores the intersection of media, music, and environmental challenges in one of the world’s most fragile ecosystems. Learn More >

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Ramona Sonin Lee Named Director of Memphis Art and Fashion Week at Brooks Museum
Big news in the Memphis fashion and art scene! Ramona Sonin Lee, Associate Professor of Practice in Art and Design, has been named Chair of Fashion Programming at the Brooks Museum and Director of Memphis Art and Fashion Week. With her creative vision at the helm, this year’s MAFW promises to be an unforgettable celebration of couture, streetwear, and wearable art.

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Dr. Martin McCain Tours Europe and Japan with Legendary Count Basie Orchestra
Dr. Martin McCain, Associate Professor of Trombone at the School of Music, recently completed an international tour with the iconic Count Basie Orchestra. The ensemble, the most decorated big band in jazz history with 20 Grammy wins, performed at the Monte Carlo Jazz Festival and held residencies at renowned venues such as Blue Note Tokyo, Blue Note Milano, and Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London. This milestone tour comes as the orchestra celebrates its 90th anniversary.

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Andre E. Johnson Earns Prestigious National Communication Awards
Andre E. Johnson, professor in Communication and Film, has been recognized with three major honors from the National Communication Association. He received the Douglass W. Ehninger Distinguished Rhetorical Scholar Award, as well as two Outstanding Book Chapter Awards—one from the African American Communication and Culture Division for his analysis of W. E. B. Du Bois’ political prophecy, and another from the Spiritual Communication Division for his exploration of Black Lives Matter’s spiritual rhetoric.

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School of Music’s Francis Cathlina to Conduct at Carnegie Hall
Francis Cathlina, Director of Choral Activities at the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music, will take the podium at the iconic Carnegie Hall in May 2025. As part of a prestigious residency, he will lead choirs from across the nation alongside the renowned New England Symphonic Ensemble. The residency begins on May 8 and culminates in a grand performance on May 11, highlighting Cathlina’s artistry on one of the world’s most celebrated stages.

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The Department of Theatre & Dance Partners with Collage Dance Collective for Groundbreaking Collaboration
The Dance Science program is launching an exciting new partnership with Collage Dance Collective, giving BFA majors hands-on experience in strength and conditioning for injury prevention and performance enhancement. This collaboration not only connects students with the professional dance community but also paves the way for future research opportunities—including student-led studies. With room to grow, the initiative aims to expand to other dance organizations, further strengthening the Department of Theatre & Dance’s role in advancing the field of dance science.

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Professor Lenny Schranze to Serve as Guest Artist at Interlochen Arts Academy
This spring, Lenny Schranze, Professor of Viola in the School of Music, will be a visiting guest artist at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan. Working with the academy’s exceptional young violists, he will share insights from his lifelong research and teaching passions—developing a positive, directed technique for viola repertoire, shaping expressive phrasing, and mastering audition preparation.

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Dr. Ruoxu Wang to Present at ICA and Publishes Three Articles
Exciting accomplishments for Dr. Ruoxu Wang! She will present two research papers at the 2025 International Communication Association (ICA) conference in Boulder, CO, this June. Her research explores user engagement with Super Bowl ads and the impact of deepfake disinformation on audiences.

Additionally, Dr. Wang has published three articles in 2024, covering topics such as health cues in online dating, university leadership during COVID-19, and news engagement on smartphones.

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BUCOM Workshop Equips Participants with Essential Communication Tools
Faculty, staff, and students gathered in the Team-Based Learning (TBL) Room at BUCOM for an interactive workshop aimed at strengthening communication skills in clinical and educational settings. Titled Essential Communication Tools of the Trade: Cultural Humility and Health Literacy, the session, led by Dr. Joy V. Goldsmith, a professor in the Department of Communication and Film and a leading expert in health communication, provided strategies to enhance respectful, culturally informed interactions. Participants explored techniques for improving patient outcomes, navigating communication challenges, and fostering inclusive learning environments. The workshop also served as a valuable networking opportunity, reinforcing BUCOM’s commitment to person-centered education and health care.

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Dr. Bryna Bobick Named TAEA Art Administrator of the Year
Congratulations to Dr. Bryna Bobick on being selected as the 2025 Tennessee Art Education Association’s Art Administrator of the Year! This prestigious honor recognizes her dedication to arts education and leadership in the field.

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Art Education Partners with Brooks Museum for Community Art Academy
Get ready for a creative adventure! For the second year in a row, Art Education students from the University of Memphis are teaming up with the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art to host the Community Art Academy, a dynamic, season-long program where kids ages 9-12 can dive into watercolor painting, oil pastels, acrylics, and even sculpture—all for free! This year’s theme, “Finding Peace and Happiness Within a Museum,” invites young artists to create in the inspiring setting of the museum’s galleries, with a grand exhibition and reception showcasing their work on April 16. UofM students gain hands-on teaching experience, while participants discover new skills, make friends, and explore the power of art. Classes kick off on Wednesdays—Feb. 26, Mar. 5, 26, and Apr. 2 and 9—but hurry, registration closes Feb. 12, and spots are filling fast with a growing waitlist! Learn More >

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Dr. Craig Stewart Named Co-PI on $2M NSF Grant to Strengthen STEM Identity and Success
Dr. Craig Stewart, Professor of Communication and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Communication & Film, is co-PI on a newly awarded $2 million National Science Foundation grant, Bridging the Gaps: Cultivating STEM Identity and Success through STEM Outreach, Networking, and Scholarships. Led by PI Dr. Stephanie Ivey (Herff College of Engineering) and a team of interdisciplinary colleagues, this project aims to strengthen STEM identities through outreach, advance research on STEM identity formation, and provide financial support to students through scholarships. This transformative initiative will empower the next generation of STEM leaders by fostering engagement, inclusion, and success.

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Dr. Kellie Carstensen Honored with Two Prestigious Awards at NCA Conference
Congratulations to Dr. Kellie Carstensen on her outstanding achievements at this year’s NCA Conference! She received the Top Papers in the Organizational Communication Division award for her coauthored paper, "The Decoupling Dilemma in Nonprofit Communication: Negotiating Postcolonial and Relational Spaces in Child Sponsorship Promotional Materials." Additionally, she was honored with the Outstanding Recent Scholarship Award from the Language and Social Interaction Division for her influential article on cultural discourse analysis in U.S. English language education. Dr. Carstensen’s work continues to make a significant impact in organizational communication and language education—well deserved!

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Kristen Hill Wins Indie Memphis Audience Award
Congratulations to Kristen Hill, Instructor and Recruiter for Film and Video, on receiving the prestigious Indie Memphis Audience Award! This recognition highlights her outstanding work and impact in the film community, celebrating her talent and dedication to storytelling.

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Professor of Practice Andrew Parks Honored with 2024 AIA Memphis President’s Award
Professor of Practice Andrew Parks has been awarded the prestigious 2024 President’s Award from AIA Memphis, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the field of architecture. Presented by AIA Memphis President Jason Weeks (2001 BFA-Architecture) at the Celebration of Architecture Gala, this marks the second consecutive year that a faculty member from the Department of Architecture has received the honor—following last year’s recipient, Professor Michael Hagge.

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Mandy Young and Craig Stewart Publish Article in Southern Communication Journal
Congratulations to Mandy Young and Dr. Craig Stewart on their newly published article, "Sickle Cell Journeys: Healthcare Providers at the Front Lines," in the Southern Communication Journal. Their research sheds light on the experiences of healthcare providers in sickle cell treatment, offering valuable insights into communication and care in medical settings. Learn More >

College of Communication and Fine Arts Faculty and Staff Awards
Congratulations to Kate Roberts on receiving the Dean's Creative Achievement Award, Kelsey Harrison on earning the Dean's Engaged Scholarship Award, and Delilah Bryant on being honored with the College Ann Dunn Staff Award!

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Art and Design Promotions
A huge congratulations to Michael Schmidt on his well-deserved promotion to Full Professor of Graphic Design! And cheers to Kate Roberts for her outstanding accomplishment of being promoted to Associate Professor of Ceramics with Tenure! 

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Community Art Academy
The Art Education Program at the University of Memphis is proud to partner with the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art to host the 2024 Community Art Academy! Learn More >

CCFA Runner-Up Dean's Award for Academic Advising
Congratulations to Michael Schmidt and Coe Lapossey for earning the 2023 CCFA Runner-Up Dean's Award for Academic Advising!

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Second State Press
Professor Park is invited as a distinguished guest juror for a national juried open call at the Second State Press. Learn More >

Virtual and in-person Lecture by: Dr. Lorelei H. Corcoran
“The ‘Mummy Portraits’ of Roman Egypt: Status, Ethnicity, and Magic”
Sponsored by the Harvard Art Museums this Thursday, October 6th at 6:00 EST by zoom.

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CCFA Dean's Award for Outstanding Research
Congratulations to Dr. Bryna Bobick for earning the 2022 CCFA Dean's Award for Outstanding Research!

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UofM Excellence in Academic Advising, Faculty Advisor Award
Congratulations to Lucas Charles for earning the 2022 UofM Excellence in Academic Advising, Faculty Advisor Award!

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CCFA Dean's Award for Academic Advising
Congratulations to Lucas Charles for earning the 2022 CCFA Dean's Award for Academic Advising!

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Ancient Egypt Family Day
The Institute of Egyptian Art & Archaeology is sponsoring an online version of its annual Ancient Egypt Family Day this year in place of its traditional on campus event. Content will be available from April 18 through September 30, 2022.

Travel back in time and explore the wonders of ancient Egypt with the help of the University of Memphis (Tennessee) IEAA! Write your name in hieroglyphs, color a mask while learning about ancient Egyptian gods, and much more. There are lots of fun and interesting activities for all! Learn More >