Appointment of the Dean of the College of Journalism and Communications

Janie Fouke, Provost & Senior Vice President

I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. John W. Wright II as dean of the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications. His appointment, resulting from a nationwide search, is effective January 1, 2008.

Dr. Wright has been interim dean of the college since July 2006, succeeding Terry Hynes. Prior to serving as interim dean, Dr. Wright was the college’s executive associate dean and also served as associate dean for graduate. Dr. Wright joined the faculty in 1982.

Prior to coming to UF, Dr. Wright taught at Purdue University-Fort Wayne and the University of Alabama- Birmingham. He has bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Central Florida and a doctoral degree from The Ohio State University. He worked in a variety of positions in radio and television while in high school and college.

Dr. Wright co-authored three books, including “Perspectives on Radio and Television” and “Electronic Media and Government.” In 1988, he was the college’s research faculty member of the year in 1988. Dr. Wright also received a Teaching Incentive Award in 1996 and was recognized three times by the college as Teacher of the Year.

We are fortunate that one of the strongest candidates to emerge from our national search is our own John Wright. He walks into this position with a broad and deep network of support both locally and nationally. He and his colleagues have a dynamic vision for the college.

Please join me in welcoming Dr. Wright to the rank of Dean of the College of Journalism and Communications at the University of Florida.