The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Communication and Information announces the establishment of the Alan and Wendy Wilson Communication and Leadership Academy, supported by a transformative $4.5 million gift from Alan and Wendy Wilson. This initiative, developed in collaboration with UT’s Haslam College of Business, aims to equip students with the essential communication and leadership skills they need to thrive in today’s competitive industry landscape.
“The Alan and Wendy Wilson Communication and Leadership Academy reflects our commitment to developing future leaders who embody the Volunteer spirit of service and leadership,” said Joseph Mazer, dean of the College of Communication and Information. “We are grateful to Alan and Wendy Wilson for their generous support and commitment to creating a best-in-class leadership development experience for our students.”
Alan Wilson, a distinguished UT alumnus and former CEO of McCormick and Company, has exemplified a legacy of giving back to his alma mater. Together with his wife, Wendy, he has consistently supported student success and career development initiatives at UT. Wilson graduated from UT in 1980 and has received several prestigious awards including the UT Accomplished Alumni Award in 2010, the Donald G. Hileman Distinguished Alumni Award — the college’s top alumni honor — in 2011, and UT’s Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2015.
Currently serving as chair of the University of Tennessee Foundation Board, Wilson has been an influential leader in supporting the university’s mission. He was appointed to the UT Board of Trustees in 2018 by former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and served in that capacity until April 2021, contributing significantly to UT System strategic initiatives.
“Strong business skills are essential for communication professionals to succeed in their careers,” Wilson said. “Understanding business will help them excel and adapt to both changes in the industry and shifts in audience needs. The Wilson Academy will be instrumental in developing these skills for students.”
The Wilson Academy will serve as a hub for thought leadership and talent development, integrating academic excellence with real-world experience. The academy will offer innovative communication and leadership training to students from both CCI and the Haslam College of Business. By fostering connections among industry professionals, students and educators, the academy aims to equip current and future Volunteers with essential leadership training and skill development. The two colleges will work together to combine industry-focused leadership development opportunities with hands-on learning experiences, including internships, industry visits, guest speakers, and other initiatives, enabling students to explore the intersections between communication and business.
Stephen L. Mangum, dean and Stokely Foundation Leadership Chair in the Haslam College of Business, said the academy brings two of the university’s strengths together for the benefit of its students. “Our focus at the Haslam College of Business has always been on preparing well-rounded students who create a positive impact in the workplace and the world,” Mangum said. “This partnership with the College of Communication and Information, made possible by the Wilsons, marries strong communication skills with cutting-edge leadership approaches, a combination that ensures students are ready to hit the ground running in their careers.”
Recruitment for the inaugural cohort will begin in fall 2024, with plans for a targeted launch in fall 2025. For more information about the Alan and Wendy Wilson Communication and Leadership Academy, visit tiny.utk.edu/WilsonAcademy.
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Media Contact:
Tyra Haag (865-974-5460, tyra.haag@tennessee.edu)
Deborah Crouse (865-974-6727, dcrouse@utk.edu)