Dr. Lisa Fall – Dedicated to her students, her field and her community

Dr. Lisa T. Fall, associate professor of advertising and public relations, teared up as she read an excerpt from one of her favorite Legacy Letters, a compilation of letters written from children to their parents who lost their lives in the 9/11 tragedies.
 

I stalked off, headed for the stairs leading to my room. No hug, no kiss goodnight. I grumbled under my breath It’s not fair. This sucks. “I love you, champ,” you told the back of my head. You knew I was pissed, and you weren’t really expecting an answer. You didn’t get one. I never heard your voice again. – Vincent DiFazio

 
It was letters like this one that inspired her Ready for the World theme for her PR 370 class this semester. She has dedicated her class to advertising and raising money for Tuesday’s Children, an organization that supports the families of 9/11 and others impacted by global terrorism.
 
“I think my students are very grateful for the experience they’re getting this semester, in that aspect of the 9/11 theme. I feel like maybe it was their way to do something to honor the tenth anniversary,” said Fall.
 
Dr. Fall’s compassion for her field of study and her classes is evident from the moment she introduces herself. She works diligently to ensure that her students get real-world experience and are given all the tools to succeed during their time at UT.
 
“I try in all my classes, because of what public relations is, for them to give back. All of my campaign projects ever have been community service or a non-profit. It makes them realize that they are part of something much bigger,” said Fall.
 
Public Relations students at UT are benefiting greatly from Dr. Fall’s work in and out of the classroom.  She goes the extra mile to make sure her students enjoy their class and learn as much as possible. Recently she brought Knoxville lawyer turned celebrity, Stephen A. Burroughs to talk to her class about his recent PR boom.
 
Dr. Fall has read Vincent’s letter multiple times, and it still affects her as if she’s reading it for the first time. It is that compassion that makes Dr. Fall a wonderful professor and a true Campus Celebrity.