Amanda Womac was appointed director of communications for the college effective August 1 following an external search chaired by Andrew Sheehy, executive director of development for the College of Arts and Sciences.
Amanda brings to the position strong credentials and experience in creative writing and science journalism. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English with concentration in creative writing from UT Chattanooga in 2003. She completed a master’s degree in journalism with specialization in science writing at UT Knoxville in 2008. Her writing has appeared frequently in Quest Research Magazine published by UT’s Office of Research and Engagement. Amanda is president of the UT Science Forum.
Prior to joining the college, Amanda has most recently been employed as development manager for the Bijou Theatre, freelance science writer, nonprofit marketing consultant, and adjunct faculty member in communications arts at Lincoln Memorial University. From 2009 through 2012, she held the position of executive director for the Hearing and Speech Foundation in Maryville, Tennessee.
Amanda was appointed last year to the board of directors of the National Society of Professional Journalists, representing SPJ Region 12, and serves on the board of directors of the local East Tennessee chapter as well. She is also a member of the Society of Environmental Journalists.
She replaces Lynn Champion who retired from the university this summer at the end of thirty-six years of service to the university.