Former Vols quarterback and NFL legend Peyton Manning joined the College of Communication and Information faculty as a professor of practice at the beginning of the fall semester.
The 1997 graduate in speech communication, who has gained a wealth of knowledge through his media career, will partner with CCI faculty and teach a variety of topics as a featured expert throughout the year. Since retiring from the NFL in 2016, Manning has gone on to launch his own entertainment company, Omaha Productions. He recently began a career in broadcasting as co-host of Manningcast, an alternate Monday Night Football broadcast, alongside his brother Eli Manning.
“My time as a student in the College of Communication and Information was a foundational experience during which I learned critical skills and messaging techniques that I continue to put to use almost daily,” Manning said. “I look forward to working with the college’s talented faculty and directly with students in an effort to ensure they are well prepared for their future careers.”
The addition of Manning will aid in preparing students for the evolving media landscape. He will provide valuable expertise to the college’s curricula in sports reporting, video production and performance, leadership and communi- cation, and public speaking.
“There is no other ambassador for our college and university like Peyton Manning, and we are proud to welcome him to the college’s faculty,” said Joseph Mazer, CCI’s dean. “Peyton is a true Volunteer, and I look forward to our students gaining invaluable knowledge from him as we continue to prepare the next generation of communication and information leaders.”
Manning has made several impactful contributions to UT and CCI. His support for the university began in 1998 when he established the Peyton Manning Scholarship, which has benefited more than 50 recipients. His philanthropic support of the college hit a full-circle moment in 2018 when he donated $1 million to establish the John Haas Student Experiential Learning Endowment to honor the former director of the School of Communication Studies. Manning’s new position creates more opportunities for students to feel his impact through direct engagement in the classroom and beyond.
“He is so much more than a professor to me,” said Katie Hoots, a senior majoring in communication studies. “He supports the program by giving to student experiences, he keeps in touch with our professor, and he is a great role model in his daily life.” Hoots said she was able to speak with Manning after class and was encouraged by their talk. “I have so much gratitude for Peyton Manning and UT for always supporting us and setting us up for future opportunities.”