Ed Kimbrell, retiring Journalism faculty, left, reacts to receiving a bobblehead doll of himself from Beverly Keel, chair of Recording Industry. The doll was a gift from the faculty and staff of the School of Journalism.
The 2016 Wall of Fame and Student Award Ceremony not only took time to honor our notable alumni and current students but to recognize one of the most important figures in the college’s short history.
Dr. Edward Kimbrell, the inaugural dean of the College of Mass Communication (now Media and Entertainment) and founding chair of the Department of Mass Communication, was saluted by colleagues and former students during the first part of the April 22 event. Mike Kopp (’81), a former student and owner of All Good Factory in Nashville, credited Kimbrell for kickstarting his successful career in public relations. Journalism Professor Larry Burriss, a longtime colleague, highlighted Kimbrell’s many contributions to the department and college. Recording Industry Chair and former Kimbrell student Beverly Keel (’88) commended Kimbrell for his positive influence both professionally and personally, saying that he gave her guidance when she needed it and opportunity when she was ready for it. Keel then presented the former dean and professor with his own Bobblehead likeness, compliments of the School of Journalism faculty and staff.
Dean Ken Paulson then turned attention to the three accomplished alumni who were recently added to the growing roster of the College of Media and Entertainment’s Wall of Fame. Daniel Miller, Larry McCormack and Jill Clendening were celebrated by each department and given an award in recognition of their accomplishments. Their profiles will be added to the digital database currently displayed in the Bragg Media and Entertainment Building.
Miller
Daniel Miller (B.S. ’95), a Department of Recording Industry alumnus, began his career by putting together press kits and scheduling interviews for independent publicity firms. He then joined Borman Entertainment, becoming vice president of artist management while helping build the international career of Lady Antebellum. Today, he works with Red Light Management and continues to guide Lady Antebellum and artist Martina McBride while continually looking for the next emerging superstar.
McCormack
Larry McCormack (B.S. ’80), a mass communication graduate and accomplished photographer, was recognized by the Department of Electronic Media Communication. He got his start in small-town newspapers, working for The Daily News Journal in Murfreesboro and The Leaf-Chronicle in Clarksville. He joined the Nashville Banner in 1983, where he stayed until it closed in 1998. McCormack has photographed for The Tennessean ever since, continuing to cover business, news, sports, fashion, food and everything in between.
Clendening
Jill Clendening (B.S. ’90), an alumna of the School of Journalism, has had an adventurous career in mass communications, from jostling with paparazzi while covering New York’s runway fashion shows for a major daily newspaper to creating custom magazines for clients throughout the United States and providing communication for one of the nation’s top academic medical centers. Clendening is currently a public information officer for Vanderbilt University Medical Center, a Nashville-based healthcare system that includes four hospitals and a network of clinics.
Burriss
Greg Pitts, director of the School of Journalism, awarded Professor Larry Burriss with the Ed Kimbrell Excellence in Teaching award, a certificate given each year to journalism faculty who exhibit exemplary performance and contributions to the school. Burriss is an expert in media law, a published author and has served as director of the School of Journalism, dean of the College of Mass Communication and president of the MTSU Faculty Senate.
More than 70 scholarships and awards were handed out to Media and Entertainment students during the last half of the event. Joseph Akins, professor of Recording Industry, provided the music for the evening.
The college’s annual Awards Day for students added the Wall of Fame ceremony in 2000. The Wall of Fame began as a way to both honor successful mass-communication graduates and inspire current students to continue working toward their goals. Each year, each of the college’s departments solicits nominees from faculty and chooses an honoree to recognize. This year marked the 23rd Student Awards and the 16th Wall of Fame Ceremony.
Dr. Kimbrell will retire at the end of spring semester 2016 after 45 years of service.
The Leading Edge 
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