The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Communication and Information announces the establishment of the Faye Julian Dean’s Chair Endowment and the John Haas Director’s Chair Endowment, supported by a transformative gift of over $4 million from 1997 alumnus Peyton Manning. The new endowments will open doors to bold ideas, innovation and a best-in-class experience for the college’s students.
“As a university, we have been vocal about our desire to be known for our unparalleled student experience — both in and out of the classroom,” said Chancellor Donde Plowman. “This gift will help ensure that generations of future Volunteers in the College of Communication and Information will have access to resources and programs that help them thrive. We are so grateful to Peyton, who has always been an incredible ambassador for UT and who has generously given back with his time, his gifts and his advocacy for decades.”
The endowments are named in honor of Manning’s academic mentors, Faye Julian and John Haas, who were also longtime academic leaders at the university. The endowments enable the dean of the college and director of the School of Communication Studies, one of the college’s four academic units, to support emergent needs and strategic opportunities that are common in the ever-evolving communication and media industries. Funds will support student success initiatives, faculty research, and other activities that drive the operation and progress of both the college and the school.
“Peyton Manning’s transformational gift to establish the Faye Julian Dean’s Chair Endowment and John Haas Director’s Chair Endowment is a powerful investment in the future of the College of Communication and Information,” said Dean Joseph Mazer, who will hold the inaugural Faye Julian Dean’s Chair. “These endowments honor the legacy of two impactful academic leaders and will empower the college to pursue bold strategic initiatives. Support like this fuels our ability to advance faculty research, attract and retain top talent, foster innovation and create a best-in-class experience for our students.”
Faye Julian — Trailblazer, Educator and Dean
Faye Julian (’62, Ph.D. ’77) served UT in various faculty and academic leadership roles for over 40 years, retiring in 2005. In 1977, she earned the first doctorate from what was then the College of Communications, and she became the inaugural dean of the newly formed College of Communication and Information in 2002. Known for her commitment to students, faculty and academic excellence, she held key leadership roles and earned multiple university honors. She was also a great mentor to Manning during his time as a student. Julian invested in Manning by broadening his college experience and connecting him with a community of high-achieving peers who inspired him to grow. Julian passed away in 2018.
“Dean Julian was an incredible mentor and a steady source of encouragement during my time at Tennessee,” said Manning. “One of the best parts of my college experience was the community of high-achieving students she helped introduce me to, students who challenged each other and constantly raised the bar. Being part of that group pushed me to grow not just as a student but as a person. I’m proud to honor her legacy and help ensure future students have the same kind of meaningful experience.”
A ceremony was held Aug. 26 with Manning, members of the Julian family and university leadership to commemorate the establishment of the endowment.
John Haas — Educator, Mentor and Former School Director
Manning serves as a professor of practice in CCI, bringing his significant industry experience to the classroom. During a recent visit to UT, Manning served as a guest lecturer in Associate Professor John Haas’s communication studies class. At the end of the session, he surprised Haas by announcing the lead gift to create the John Haas Director’s Chair Endowment, named in his honor. Jon Hess, the current director of the School of Communication Studies, will hold the inaugural John Haas Director’s Chair.
Haas joined UT in 1989 and led the School of Communication Studies as director for 27 years, helping shape it into one of the college’s most vibrant programs. He stepped down as director in 2022 and currently teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in organizational communication, interpersonal communication and research methods.
Haas founded the Public Speaking Center and inspired the John Haas Student Experiential Learning Endowment through a $1 million gift from Manning in 2018. As one of Manning’s professors and his adviser at UT, Haas played an instrumental role in Manning’s college education. A student advocate and nationally recognized scholar in freedom of expression, Haas and his legacy are honored through the John Haas Director’s Chair.
A Legacy of Giving
This latest gift adds to the significant contributions Manning has made previously to his alma mater. His support for students spans the university. In 1998, he established the Peyton Manning Scholarship, a competitive four-year opportunity for some of UT’s brightest students. The scholarship has benefitted 65 recipients since its inception. In addition to scholarship support, Manning provides internships through Omaha Productions to journalism and media students in CCI, giving them hands-on experience and enhancing their knowledge within the industry. In recognition of his service to the college, Manning received the 2007 Donald G. Hileman Distinguished Alumni Award, the college’s top alumni honor.
Manning graduated from UT in 1997 after leading the Vols to an SEC football championship, went on to a storied NFL career and launched the entertainment company Omaha Productions in 2020. He remains steadfast in his dedication to the Volunteer community, providing opportunities for the next generation of students.