It is with great sadness we share that Dr. Kimberlianne Podlas, professor and head of UNC Greensboro’s Media Studies Department, died on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, in Greensboro.
After graduating from the University of Buffalo School of Law, Podlas practiced criminal appellate law in New York. She argued more than 100 cases, including several in the state’s high court.
In 2004, Podlas joined the Department of Media Studies where she taught courses in media law and television studies. She was known among students as a generous, professional, and deeply knowledgeable professor.
Podlas served as head of the Department of Media Studies since 2016. Throughout her tenure, she was a steadfast advocate for faculty and students.
Podlas’ academic scholarship was also robust and influential. Her research was situated at the intersection of law and media, and considered: (1) emergent legal issues pertaining to contemporary media, its creation, and distribution, and (2) the relationship between television’s legal lore and the public’s understandings about it, and how these contribute to legal consciousness. Podlas published approximately 50 journal articles and book chapters, produced materials for professional certification and continuing education seminars, won several national conference awards, and has been cited by both appellate courts and popular media.
“Kimberlianne was a remarkable department head, teacher, and scholar, who treated everyone – faculty and students – with respect and real caring. We will all miss her dearly,” said Professor Michael Frierson of the Media Studies Department.
Frierson has assumed the position of interim department head of Media Studies.
Students affected by this loss can receive support through Counseling and Psychological Services (336.334.5874) or the Dean of Students Office (336.334.5514). The faculty of Media Studies have also extended their support to affected students.
