Alissa Galyon discovered her love for higher education serving as a public relations and development intern for the Alumni Association at her alma mater, Murray State University (MSU). Sharing student and alumni success stories, driving fundraising scholarship campaigns, and serving as an advocate for higher education led her to beginning her career at good ol’ Rocky Top for several years serving as a marketing and communications specialist. In 2020, she became an alumna of UT Knoxville by earning her master’s degree through the College of Communication & Information.

In 2021, Galyon ventured outside of higher education to serve as a public affairs specialist for the Y-12 National Security Complex. In her role, she served as a communications lead for a multi-billion-dollar Department of Energy construction project, leading external affairs, executive communication, recruitment marketing, crisis communication and change management efforts. Over the years, Galyon has also provided freelancing marketing services and served as a marketing consultant to local and regional businesses and organizations, with a focus on enrollment growth and revenue generation.

In a very “Rocky Top, you’ll always be, home sweet home to me” move, Galyon returned to the University of Tennessee to serve in her current role as the director of marketing and communications for the Natale L. Haslam College of Music. In her role, she provides leadership and direction for all communications and marketing strategy, works closely with the College’s recruitment and advancement teams, leads executive communication efforts, and works to promote and enhance the College’s brand and reputation.  Serving in this role for Tennessee’s only College of Music is an opportunity that makes her excited to go to work every day.

When she’s not at work, you can find her at her local CrossFit gym, booping her pets’ noses, enjoying the amazing food Knoxville has to offer with her fellow foodie husband, or binging the latest NPR podcast.