Singleton: C&IS is growing, raising funds

Dean Loy Singleton summed up the UA College of Communication and Information Sciences in one word - growth.

Singleton gave the annual C&IS State of the College address from the steps of Reese Phifer Hall Thursday at 4 p.m.

"What is the state of the college, you ask," Singleton said. "In one word, the state of the college is growth."

Student Executive Council President Megan Courington recognized guests and C&IS senators and introduced Singleton as the speaker.

Singleton said the continuous growth at the University, currently 25,000 students strong, has had an impact on C&IS, so the college has seen changes along with the University, he said.

He said a record number of 2,500 students are a part of the college this year. As the growth of the University continues, Singleton said he hopes the number of students in C&IS will also grow.

"Growth brings challenges and opportunities, and it is our duty to harness it and make it our strength," Singleton said.

He said last year C&IS set a goal to raise $3 million in scholastic funds, and today the goal has been surpassed. The total amount now stands at $3.8 million.

Not only have the capital goals been reached, but also the college has acquired five new faculty members in the past two years, he said.

The advertising and public relations department welcomed three faculty members, the communication studies department welcomed one new member and the journalism department welcomed its first female department chair Jennifer Greer.

Singleton said the increasing number of students involved in C&IS would promote the idea of looking for room beyond Reese Phifer Hall.

Alabama Student Society for Communication Arts President Megan Frazier spoke about newly developed programs within the college and the University, including the new Freshman Mentoring Program geared toward advising freshmen on what classes to take and different majors and minors.

Singleton and Courington also awarded book scholarship winners.

Following the closing of the speech, guests were invited inside for pizza and drinks.