The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s College of Communication and Information announces the establishment of the Linda and David Bohan Center for Global Engagement, made possible through a generous gift from 1970 alumnus David Bohan and his wife, Linda. The Bohan Center will create a dedicated space to support study abroad, international partnerships and cross-cultural learning, creating transformative opportunities for the college’s students.
“David and Linda have long championed student success through international education and believe deeply in the value of global experiences in shaping future communication and information leaders,” said CCI Dean Joseph Mazer. “This center embodies that belief, taking the college’s commitment to global engagement to the next level and fostering the curiosity, perspective and leadership that define a global communicator.”
Providing global learning opportunities
The Bohan Center reflects the college’s commitment to expanding access to study abroad and providing global experiential learning opportunities — defining elements of an outstanding experience for students in communication and information fields. International programming and financial support made available through the Bohan Center will empower CCI students to see the world — and their place in it — with a broader, more global perspective. Bohan Center study abroad experiences will include opportunities such as exploring international public relations in Italy, studying generative AI and data analytics in Morocco, and gaining insight into sports media and communications in the United Kingdom.
“Throughout my career in advertising, I saw firsthand how understanding different perspectives and cultures can inspire creativity and create impactful leaders,” said David Bohan. “Linda and I believe global experiences shouldn’t begin after graduation, but that they should be part of every student’s education. Our hope is that this center will open doors for students to explore the world, build connections, and bring those insights back to strengthen their work and their communities.”
A spirit of giving back
David Bohan, a current member of CCI’s Board of Visitors and the UT President’s Council and a former member of the UT Development Council, has a long history of giving back, and he and his wife have made a lasting impact on the university through their philanthropic spirit and service. As founder and retired chairman of bohan, he built one of Tennessee’s most successful advertising agencies and devoted decades of service to the advertising profession, his Nashville community and his alma mater. Throughout his career, Bohan hosted CCI students on countless agency tours, provided internship opportunities and scholarships to advertising students, taught advertising as an adjunct professor at UT, and received numerous awards for professional and volunteer achievement.
The Bohans’ gift builds upon a lifetime of service and generosity, ensuring that their commitment to students and global learning will benefit the college and the communications industry for years to come.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Stacy Estep (865-974-8304, sestep3@utk.edu)
Bethany Yandell (865-974-6727, bethany@utk.edu)
